Quotes from Sun Tzu, The Art of War

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.

who wishes to fight must first count the cost

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

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

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

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.

When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away...

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst. [One may know the condition of a whole army from the behavior of a single man.]

When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

War is like a fire - if you do not put it out, it will burn itself out.

If you do not take opportunity to advance and reward the deserving, your subordinates will not carry out your commands, and disaster will ensue.

mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy

If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.

If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak.

the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.

You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.

Whether in an advantageous position or a disadvantageous one, the opposite state should be always present to your mind.

There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION.

When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is COLLAPSE.

The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.