710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

Don’t flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

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.

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.

Should one ask: ‘how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?’ I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost.

Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.

Unless you enter the tiger’s lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger’s cub’s.

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.