Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
SUN TZUHence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
SUN TZUWhat the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
SUN TZUThere is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.
SUN TZUThose skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.
SUN TZUPonder and deliberate before you make a move.
SUN TZUAll warfare is based on deception.
SUN TZUBegin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.
SUN TZUWhen the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
SUN TZUTherefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
SUN TZUIt is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.
SUN TZUBe extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.
SUN TZUDo not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.
SUN TZUThus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.
SUN TZURewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.
SUN TZUConvince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.
SUN TZUIf you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner.
SUN TZU