Quotes About Strategy

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

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.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

Buy when the cannons are firing, and sell when the trumpets are blowing

Now this brings me to my main topic - our military strength - more specifically, how to stay strong against threat from outside, without undermining the economic health that supports our security.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

I told them my system was based on the "ant plan," that I'd gotten the idea watching a colony of ants in Africa during the war. A whole bunch of ants working toward a common goal.

A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

If there is a Way involving the spirit of not being defeated, to help oneself and gain honour, it is the Way of Strategy.

You can't make war in the Middle East without Egypt and you can't make peace without Syria.

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men.

He who knows not how to dissimulate, can not reign.

In the Gulf War, U.S. Marine Corps wheeled vehicles were killing Iraqi T-72 tanks.

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.

Deliberate tactical errors and minor losses are the means by which to bait the enemy.

General, you don't have a war plan! All you have is a kind of horrible spasm!

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

When one would make a surprise attack on the enemy, he should avoid the major roads and seek out the lesser ones. Then attack.

The halberd is inferior to the spear on the battlefield. With the spear you can take the initiative, the halberd is defensive.

When you are lonely, when you feel yourself an alien in the world, play Chess. This will raise your spirits and be your counselor in war

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

I don't believe in war, I believe in the principle of deterrence.