Sun Tzu quotes - page 4

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective. (Sun Tzu)
One defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks when it is abundant. View quote
Sun Tzu
To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. View quote
Sun Tzu
Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never peril. View quote
Sun Tzu
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. View quote
Sun Tzu
In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected. View quote
Sun Tzu
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited. View quote
Sun Tzu
The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed! View quote
Sun Tzu
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. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them. View quote
Sun Tzu
A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame. View quote
Sun Tzu
If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. (Sun Tzu)
Fear is the true enemy, the only enemy. View quote
Sun Tzu
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. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. View quote
Sun Tzu
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life. Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact. View quote
Sun Tzu
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, 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. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. View quote
Sun Tzu
Sweat more during peace; bleed less during war. View quote
Sun Tzu
In peace, prepare for war. In war, prepare for peace. View quote
Sun Tzu
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. View quote
Sun Tzu
WANG XI Opponents cannot exhaust you. View quote
Sun Tzu
Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster. View quote
Sun Tzu
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. (Sun Tzu)
Quickness is the essence of the war. View quote
Sun Tzu
He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. View quote
Sun Tzu
He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. View quote
Sun Tzu
All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him. View quote
Sun Tzu