710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

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

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

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.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.