Inspirational Quotes on War

“A prince must not have any other object nor any other thought… but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only art befitting one who commands.”

“He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.”

“Never venture, never win!”

“If his forces are united, separate them.”

“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.”

“Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”

“Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.”

“There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction; (2) cowardice, which leads to capture; (3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; (4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.”

“who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits”

“the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”

“Conform to the enemy's tactics until a favorable opportunity offers; then come forth and engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.”

“When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.”

“Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.”

“If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. ”

“the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation”

“Foreknowledge cannot be gotten from ghosts and spirits, cannot be had by analogy, cannot be found out by calculation. It must be obtained from people, people who know the conditions of the enemy.”

“if you fight with all your might,  there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner”

“do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat”

“Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.”

“Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.”