710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

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.

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

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.

All war is based on deception.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise: which of the two generals has the most ability? on which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? which army is stronger? on which side are the officers and men more highly trained? in which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.