Sun Tzu

The general who understands the principles of the art of war is the minister of the people's fate and the guardian of the nation's security.

Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

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

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.

The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

The skillful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.

Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment—that which they cannot anticipate.

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.

Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.