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-of-war law discipline
The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.
war army law
It is imperative to contest all factions for complete victory, so the army is not garrisoned and the profit can be total. This is the law of strategic siege.
war mean law
Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.
captures cities kingdom laying leader lengthy operations siege therefore troops winners-and-winning
Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.
art blunders giving minor orders petty rectify swayed
The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not to be swayed by petty doubts.
consists enemy excellence supreme warfare
Supreme excellence in warfare consists of subduing the enemy without fighting.
chinese-philosopher country instance prolonged
There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.
captures cities disputes forces intact kingdom laying leader lengthy mastery operations siege troops
The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field. With his forces intact he disputes the mastery of the emp
against chinese-philosopher defeat defeating lies opportunity ourselves provided secure
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
goes men officers trained
Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.
commander good
A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.
breaking chinese-philosopher consists enemies resistance supreme
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
account art death either hence importance inquiry life matter road safety subject vital war
The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.