Quotes By Sun Tzu

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

All war is deception.

All warfare is based on deception.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.

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

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, than you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you now Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

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.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

You have to believe in yourself.

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.