Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)
What it means
Sun Tzu's first rule of conflict is that the other side should never see your real position. In competition, clarity about yourself and mystery to your rival is an edge. Keep your plans close until they are moving.
The source
"All war is deception." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
"兵者，詭道也。"Original Chinese, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans). Text read at zh.wikisource.org.
Who said it
Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Chinese general traditionally credited with The Art of War, a short book on strategy that values preparation, deception and winning without battle. It has been read by commanders, athletes and founders ever since.
Questions
- What does "All war is deception." mean?
- Sun Tzu's first rule of conflict is that the other side should never see your real position. In competition, clarity about yourself and mystery to your rival is an edge. Keep your plans close until they are moving.
- Who said "All war is deception."?
- Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans).
- What is the original Chinese?
- 兵者，詭道也。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "All war is deception." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"All war is deception." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/all-war-is-deception
Filed under Quotes about discipline and grit.
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More from Sun Tzu
- When able, look unable.The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)
- Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you.The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)
- Plan more and win. Plan less and lose. Plan nothing and then what?The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)
- I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay.The Art of War 2 (Waging War)
- To break the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem)
- Know them and know yourself, and a hundred battles hold no danger.The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem)