The quote “Opportunities multiply as they are seized” is often attributed to Sun Tzu’s *The Art of War*, but it’s important to note that this specific wording does not directly appear in the classic text. The original *The Art of War* was written in Classical Chinese, and various translations may interpret the text differently.
A closely related concept from *The Art of War* can be found in Chapter 5 (Strategic Military Power):
> “激水之疾，至于漂石者，势也。鸷鸟之疾，至于毁折者，节也。是故善战者，其势险，其节短。势如扩弩，节如发机。”
This section discusses the momentum and strategy in warfare, emphasizing the importance of creating and exploiting opportunities swiftly.
For a more direct association with opportunities, another passage often highlighted is from Chapter 1 (Laying Plans):
> “善战者，求之于势，不责于人；故能择人而任势。任势者，其战人也，如转木石。木石之性，安则静，危则动。方则止，圆则行。”
Translation by Lionel Giles (1910):
> “The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
While not the exact quote, it reflects the strategic philosophy of utilizing and creating opportunities.
Given the nature of ancient texts, various translations may express these ideas in different ways, which might lead to the popular paraphrased quote. However, if you are specifically looking for the exact original Chinese text for “Opportunities multiply as they are seized,” it does not appear in the classical text attributed to Sun Tzu in *The Art of War*.
Regardless of it not appearing in the art of war.
Is this quote true? Do opportunities multiple as they are seized?
Yes, in the way that many opportunities have an expiration date. Fast decisive action can make capturing the opportunity more likely.
It can then open up further opportunities that come from it, as we are in a new position.
We can usually expect being in a better position to give more opportunities,
But not necessarily.
It’s a good idea, like in chess, to think multiple steps ahead. Like in Patrick Bet David’s book “Your Next 5 Moves”
However, some opportunities might actually be traps, like a venus fly trap.
And just because the next move looks good, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best path to our destination.
