Home / Strategy / Sun Tzu on Timing
Sun Tzu on Timing
In The Art of War, the moment matters as much as the move. Sun Tzu teaches when to act, when to wait, and how to strike at the point of greatest advantage — a discipline of patience and decisive speed.
Sun Tzu lessons for this
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 7: Maneuvering
“Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest. In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 7: Maneuvering
“He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 1: Laying Plans
“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 5: Energy
“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.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 11: The Nine Situations
“Though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 2: Waging War
“Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”
Sun Tzu · Chapter 1: Laying Plans
Put it into practice
Sun Tzu’s strategy is only useful if you actually use it. Try this small loop the next time timing shows up:
- Read the situation. Gather information about yourself, the other side, and the environment before you commit.
- Choose your ground. Avoid the other side’s strength and strike where you have an advantage.
- Act with timing. Move fast when the moment is right, and wait when patience is the advantage.