Sun Tzu Quotes about Art - Page 2

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards... Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.

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.

What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become double agents and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the double agent that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy.

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.

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.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.

When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.

The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.

Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.