It has been a considerable amount of time since I last shared an article with the future officers of the Indian armed forces. As many of you are aware, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu stands as the most influential study of strategy and warfare ever written. Its principles have been widely employed by great generals such as Mao and Giap, and it continues to be extensively read within military circles around the world. Notably, the book has also captured the attention of business executives and politicians, who find inspiration and guidance within its pages.
As the future commanders of the Indian armed forces, it is highly beneficial for you to familiarize yourselves with and apply the following principles in your practical lives. These principles will undoubtedly aid you in making crucial decisions on future battlefields, decisions that have the potential to shape the destiny of a nation. With that in mind, presented here is a compilation of the ten most significant quotes from “The Art of War”:
Art Of War Quotes
1: “All Warfare is Based on Deception. Hence when able to attack, we must seem unable ; When using our forces, we must seem inactive ;When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. When far away, we must make him feel we are near “
2:”If your opponent is of choleric temper ,seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak so that he may grow arrogant .”
3:”There is no instance of a country having benefitted from prolonged warfare “
4:”It is the rule of war, if our forces are ten to enemy’s one, surround him; If five to one, attack him ;If twice as numerous, divide our army into two “
5:”To Secure ourselves against defeat lies in our Hands, But the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by Enemy himself “
6: “To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength ;To see the sun and moon is no sign of great sight; To hear the thunder is no sign of quick ear .What the Ancients call a clever fighter is one who not only wins, But excels in winning at Ease “
7: “When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him move. Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.”
8: “The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”
9:” Speed is the essence of war. Take advantage of the enemy’s unpreparedness; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions.”
10: “A skilled commander seeks victory from the situation and does not demand it of his subordinates.”
It is beyond doubt that one day many of you will find these principles very much effective in battlefields .Read it well and analyze it well with practical real life problems so that you may one day implement these principles without any ambiguity.
