Quotes from Sun Tzu

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

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.

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.

The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.

Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

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

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him