History may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but reading and hearing stories about war fascinates many. Whenever we read or hear war quotes, a different energy instills in our body that fires us from within. The intensity, vigor, and never-say-die attitude exhibited by those in the war have always driven us to push our limits and dream the undone.  Here are the top 50 inspirational war quotes by military leaders around the world that have changed the lives of many.

Alexander the Great Quotes on War:

Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia—an ancient Greek kingdom. Alexander was one of the greatest military leaders of all time who—by the age of 30—created one of the largest empires in history ranging from Greece to Northeastern India.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”

“Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.

“Those who have the courage to conquer fear are made free and those who are conquered by it are made to suffer until they have the courage to defeat it, or death takes them.

“Glory crowns the deeds of those who expose themselves to toils and dangers.”

“I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.”

“Let us conduct ourselves so that all men wish to be our friends and fear to be our enemies.”

“Through every generation of the human race there has been a constant war, a war with fear.”

Napoleon Quotes on War:

Popularly known as Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most celebrated military leaders in the world. Alongside winning a majority of his battles, he brought a flurry of changes in the way militaries were trained and organized at that time.

“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”

“You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war.”

“The first quality of a soldier is constancy in enduring fatigue and hardship. Courage is only the second. Poverty privation and want are the school of the good soldier.”

“A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.”

“In war there is but one favorable moment; the great art is to seize it.”

“Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.”

Julius Caesar Quotes about War:

Julius Caesar was a Roman General and statesman who changed the course of Roman history altogether. In his short tenure as a leader, he paved the foundation for a dynasty that thrived for a long period of time.

“Fortune, which has a great deal of power in other matters but especially in war, can bring about great changes in a situation through very slight forces.”

“War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they are pleased upon the vanquished.”

“In war, trivial causes prevent momentous events.”

“Cowards die many times before their actual death.”

“He conquers twice, who shows the mercy to be concurred.”

Genghis Khan Quotes about War:

The founder of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan is also known as the First Great Khan. He united numerous nomadic tribes of northeast Asia to come into power and conquered a major part of Eurasia ranging from Poland to Egypt. 

“If you’re afraid–don’t do it, if you’re doing it–don’t be afraid.”

“There is no value in anything until it is finished.”

“People conquered on different sides of a lake should be ruled on different sides of the lake.”

“If my body dies, let my body die, but don’t let my country die.”

“The merit in action lies in finishing it to the end.”

“Conquering the world on horseback is easy; It is dismounting and governing that is hard.”

Sun Tzu Quotes on War:

A Chinese general, military strategist, writer, and philosopher, Sun Tzu is popularly known as the author of ‘Art of War’. Sun Tzu art of war is a work of military strategy that has influenced military thinking across the world. 

“A leader leads by example, not by force.”

“To know your enemy, you must become your enemy.”

“Move swift as the wind and closely-formed as the wood. Attack like the fire and be still as a mountain.”

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

“Quickness is the essence of the war.”

“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”

“Even the finest sword plunged into the salt water will eventually rust.”

“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject to inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”

“One mark of a great soldier is that he fights on his own terms or he never fights at all.”

“Attack is the secret of defense. Defense is the planning of an attack.”

“There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, and commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.”

“To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”

“Be where your enemy is not.”

“Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.”

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

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”

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

“Energy must be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.”

“We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.”

Winston Churchill Quotes on War:

Known for his leadership as the Prime Minister of the United States during World War II, Sir Winston Churchill is no stranger to the world. Alongside being a prolific leader, Churchill was also a Nobel prize-winning writer and historian, a creative painter, and one of the most influential politicians in British history. 

“War is a game that is played with a smile. If you can’t smile, grin. If you can’t grin, keep out of the way till you can.”

“Victory at all costs, victory in spite of the terror, victory however hard and long the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”

“In War: Resolution; In Defeat: Defiance; In Victory: Magnanimity; In Peace: Good Will.”

“In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.”

“In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might.”

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

So, this was our list of the top 50 inspirational war quotes by renowned military leaders around the world. These quotes will surely help you reignite the fire to chase your dreams!

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