Quotes from 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.

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.

Great results, can be achieved with small forces.

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

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

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.

If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.

Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

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.

mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy

If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.

It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.

Wheels of justice gind slow but grind fine

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.

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.

There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction; (2) cowardice, which leads to capture; (3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; (4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

Never venture, never win!

Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.

Every battle is won before it's ever fought.

Disorder came from order, fear came from courage, weakness came from strength.