Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)
What it means
Hide your strength and let opponents underestimate you. Overconfidence on their side is a gift on yours. Quiet competence beats loud display.
The source
"When able, look unable." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
"故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之遠，遠而示之近。"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 "When able, look unable." mean?
- Hide your strength and let opponents underestimate you. Overconfidence on their side is a gift on yours. Quiet competence beats loud display.
- Who said "When able, look unable."?
- Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans).
- What is the original Chinese?
- 故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之遠，遠而示之近。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "When able, look unable." 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
"When able, look unable." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/when-able-look-unable
Filed under Quotes about discipline and grit.
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More from Sun Tzu
- All war is deception.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)