Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzuwas a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and Eastern philosophy. Aside from his legacy as the author of The Art of War, Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and Asian culture as a legendary historical figure. His birth name was Sun Wu,...
NationalityChinese
ProfessionPhilosopher
CountryChina
inspirational army alliances
There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.
pursue
When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.
army secret victory
It is through the dispositions of an army that its condition may be discovered. 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.
peace art-of-war covenant
Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
enemy
Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
arrows clouds target
When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.
enemy superiors ifs
If your enemy is superior, evade him
art-of-war needs calamity
Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
art-of-war exercise light
He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
war matter states
War is a matter of vital importance to the state.
land enemy weapons
Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.
moving heaven victory
Those skilled in attack move as from above the nine-fold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining complete victory.
enemy able disposition
If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.
art war movement
Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.