710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.

To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.

A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuver. What is difficult about maneuver is to make the devious route the most direct and to turn misfortune to advantage.

All war is deception.

Getting people to fight by letting the force of momentum work is like rolling logs and rocks. Logs and rocks are still when in a secure place, but roll on an incline; they remain stationary if square, they roll if round. Therefore, when people are skillfully led into battle, the momentum is like that of round rocks rolling down a high mountain -- this is force.

Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.