Quotes from Sun Tzu

He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.

Ground which can be freely traversed by both sides is called accessible.

Ponder and deliberate before you make your move. He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of maneuvering.

Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height.

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

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.

Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.

Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

For the wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.

A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.