“Conform to the enemy’s tactics until a favorable opportunity offers; then come forth and engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.”

When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.

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

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.

Know yourself and you will win all battles

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

All warfare is based on deception.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

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.

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points.

Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

Those 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.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.

Determination can be a battle or a thrill. Choose to be thrilled.

Fear doesn’t go away. The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.

If you’re seeking progress, all presidents are the opposition. You’re just fighting different kinds of battles.

The man who is prepared has his battle half fought.

The Good News means we can stop lying to ourselves. The sweet sound of amazing grace saves us from the necessity of self-deception. It keeps us from denying that though Christ was victorious, the battle with lust, greed, and pride still rages within us.

We win half the battle when we make up our minds to take the world as we find it including the thorns.

This earthly life is a battle,’ said Ma. ‘If it isn’t one thing to contend with, it’s another. It always has been so, and it always will be. The sooner you make up your mind to that, the better off you are, and more thankful for your pleasures.

Live not for Battles Won. Live not for The-End-of-the-Song. Live in the along.