Sun Tzu Quotes

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points;

15. In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.

令素行以敎其民，則民服。令不素行以敎其民，則民不服。令素行者，與民相得也。

The only chance of life lies in giving up all hope of it.

知彼知己，百戰不殆；不知彼而知己，一勝一負；不知彼，不知己，每戰必殆

Every battle is won before it’s ever fought.

孫子曰：昔之善戰者，先爲不可勝，以待敵之可勝，不可勝在己，可勝在敵。故善戰者，能爲不可勝，不能使敵必可勝。故曰：勝可知，而不可爲。

Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.

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.

What enables the enlightened rulers and good generals to conquer the enemy at every move and achieve extraordinary success is foreknowledge.

"The skillful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man. 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."]

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

One need not destroy one's enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.

Be stern in the council-chamber, [Show no weakness, and insist on your plans being ratified by the sovereign.] so that you may control the situation.

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.