I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay.

What it means

A fast, imperfect campaign can succeed; a slow, brilliant one drains everything. Dragging things out is rarely smart. Move while the move still matters.

The source

"I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 2 (Waging War). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"故兵聞拙速，未睹巧之久也。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 2 (Waging War). 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 "I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay." mean?

A fast, imperfect campaign can succeed; a slow, brilliant one drains everything. Dragging things out is rarely smart. Move while the move still matters.

Who said "I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay."?

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 2 (Waging War).

What is the original Chinese?

故兵聞拙速，未睹巧之久也。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"I've heard of clumsy speed. I've never seen clever delay." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 2 (Waging War), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/ive-heard-of-clumsy-speed-ive-never-seen