Quotes About Leadership

Chapter1 Laying Plans

Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; [More literally, cause the front and rear to lose touch with each other.] to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men. 16. When the enemy's men were united, they managed to keep them in disorder.

Utilizar el orden para enfrentarse al desorden, utilizar la calma para enfrentarse con los que se agitan, esto es dominar el corazón.

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. (2)

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

He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and to utilise combined energy.

First, measurement; second, quantity; third, calculation; fourth, comparison; and fifth, victory.

The factors in warfare are: First, measurement; second, quantity; third, calculation; fourth, comparison; and fifth, victory.

The comparison is not very happy, however, because the regularity of the phenomena which Sun Tzu mentions is by no means paralleled in war.]

Having collected an army and concentrated his forces, he must blend and harmonize the different elements thereof before pitching his camp. ["Chang Yu says: "the establishment of harmony and confidence between the higher and lower ranks before venturing into the field;

Sun Tzu: If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.

What is perhaps most characteristically Taoist about The Art of War in such a way as to recommend itself to the modern day is the manner in which power is continually tempered by a profound undercurrent of humanism.

Sun Tzu said: If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect discipline, simulated fear postulates courage; simulated weakness postulates strength.

A general who advances without thought of personal glory, and retreats without a care for disgrace, who thinks only of protecting the people and benefiting his ruler - such a man is a treasure beyond price to his country.

Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy.

All men can see the individual tactics necessary to conquer, but almost no one can see the strategy out of which total victory is evolved.

Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.

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.

When Sun Tzu spoke of victory, this is what he meant—the prevention or quick resolution of conflict, not the conquering of your opponent.

It is not the best thing to win every battle one is engaged in; the best thing is to win without planning to win. This is perfect victory.