710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

Therefore the victories of good warriors are not noted for cleverness or bravery. Therefore their victories in battle are not flukes. Their victories are not flukes because they position themselves where they will surely win, prevailing over those wh.

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

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.

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

Opportunities increase as they are taken.

Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.