War has no fixed shape and no constant form.

What it means

No formula wins every time. The commander who changes with the opponent and still wins is, Sun Tzu says, close to divine. Hold your methods loosely.

The source

"War has no fixed shape and no constant form." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 6 (Weak Points and Strong). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"故兵無成勢，無恒形，能因敵變化而取勝者，謂之神。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 6 (Weak Points and Strong). 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 "War has no fixed shape and no constant form." mean?

No formula wins every time. The commander who changes with the opponent and still wins is, Sun Tzu says, close to divine. Hold your methods loosely.

Who said "War has no fixed shape and no constant form."?

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 6 (Weak Points and Strong).

What is the original Chinese?

故兵無成勢，無恒形，能因敵變化而取勝者，謂之神。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "War has no fixed shape and no constant form." on a shirt?

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

"War has no fixed shape and no constant form." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 6 (Weak Points and Strong), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/war-has-no-fixed-shape-and-no-constant