Art Of War Quotes - Page 2

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.

Be where your enemy is not.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.

The Art of War is self-explanatory

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

I have much to teach you. Come and learn the art of war from the one who invented it. (Takeshi)