Foreknowledge cannot be gotten from ghosts and spirits, cannot be had by analogy, cannot be found out by calculation. It must be obtained from people, people who know the conditions of the enemy.
SUN TZUWater shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.
More Sun Tzu Quotes
-
-
Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.
SUN TZU -
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
SUN TZU -
Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
SUN TZU -
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.
SUN TZU -
If 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 -
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
SUN TZU -
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.
SUN TZU -
Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.
SUN TZU -
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 TZU -
If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
SUN TZU -
The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation.
SUN TZU -
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
SUN TZU -
If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
SUN TZU -
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy if possible.
SUN TZU -
Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive.
SUN TZU






