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
art war essence
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
art war enemy
Should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
color circles two
There are only five notes in the musical scale, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be heard. There are only five basic colors, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be seen. There are only five basic flavors, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be tasted. There are only two kinds of charge in battle, the unorthodox surprise attack and the orthodox direct attack, but variations of the unorthodox and the orthodox are endless. The unorthodox and the orthodox give rise to each other, like a beginningless circle-who could exhaust them?
peaceful rely
He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.
lying order lines
The line between disorder and order lies in logistics...
wrecks strategy weak
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy
art war extraordinary-moments
Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.
art war moving
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
country war jewels
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.
lying war fighting
Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.
change rivers flow
Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.
war fighting winning
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
war army objectives
The true objective of war is peace.
fear military war
Know the enemy and know yourself.