Quotes from Sun Tzu

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

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

Be where your enemy is not.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him move. Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.

The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles. The supreme excellence is to subdue the armies of your enemies without having to fight them.

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

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

Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.