Sun Tzu Quotes

In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack — the
direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to
an endless series of maneuvers.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision,
to the releasing of a trigger.

Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.

the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation

If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

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.

do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat

Foreknowledge cannot be gotten from ghosts and spirits, cannot be had by analogy, cannot be found out by calculation. It must be obtained from people, people who know the conditions of the enemy.

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

if you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner

Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory; show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat.

You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.

Deep knowledge is to be aware of disturbance before disturbance, to be aware of danger before danger, to be aware of destruction before destruction, to be aware of calamity before calamity. Strong action is training the body without being burdened by the body, exercising the mind without being used by the mind, working in the world without being affected by the world, carrying out tasks without being obstructed by tasks.

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.