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
battle planning
Every battle is won before it is fought.
enemy march where-you-are
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
mistake found
Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.
lying art-of-war opportunity
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands
art powerful war
When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.
art war fighting
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.
strength peace war
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
art war gains
The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.
fighting might chance
If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner
art war army
Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
art war believe
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
depressing art strong
When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.
art war winning
The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
strong art war
Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.