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 manoeuvres.”

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.”

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

“Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.”

“Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.”

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

“O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.”

“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.”

“Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.”

“Just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.”

“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”

“Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest. In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.”

“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”

“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.”

“There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested.”

“Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance.”

“When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.”

“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.”

“The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”

“If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.”

“Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.”

“Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.”

“No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.”

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

“What enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.”