Sun Tzu Quotes

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

Do not press an enemy at bay.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.

He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.

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

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

Perfection in war lies in so sapping your opponents will that he surrenders without fighting.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

It is ten thousand times cheaper to pay the best spies lavishly than even a tiny army poorly.

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height.

Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

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

If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.

The best general is the one who never fights.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.

To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then 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.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

Winning Strategists are certain of triumph before seeking a challenge. Losing Strategists are certain to challenge before seeking a triumph.

Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is only on returning to camp.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Weigh the situation, then move.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.