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
war deception enemy
All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.
war arrogance inferiority
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
war constant
The nature of war is constant change.
race doors enemy
If the enemy opens the door, you must race in.
art war fighting
When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.
art war lying
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
war men greatest-victory
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
art war eye
On the field of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough; hence the institution of gongs and drums... banners and flags. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point.
art kings war
The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.
war character responsibility
A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.
country war long
In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.
art war army
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
art war greatest-victory
The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.
home army enemy
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.