710 Quotes by Sun Tzu

Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

If you follow the enemy's shifts and changes, you can always find a way to win.

Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.