Sun Tzu Wu, Artist Of War

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“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.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“So, in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“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.” – Sun Tzu 

“Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“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.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“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.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“The wise warrior avoids the battle.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull.  Such an opponent, must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain.” – Sun Tzu 

“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.” – Sun Tzu 

  

“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.” – Sun Tzu 

  

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

  

“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.” – Sun Tzu