Quotes from Sun Tzu

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

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

He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.

Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

Understand both yourself and your enemy, and you shall always emerge victorious

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.

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

One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

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

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

You have to believe in yourself.

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

If your opponent is of choleric temper,  seek to irritate him.  Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

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