Sun Tzu Quotes about War - Page 3

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

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

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

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

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

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.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

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.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

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.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

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.