Sun Tzu Quotes

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

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

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

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

Opportunities increase as they are taken.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war

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

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

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.