Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzuwas a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and Eastern philosophy. Aside from his legacy as the author of The Art of War, Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and Asian culture as a legendary historical figure. His birth name was Sun Wu,...
NationalityChinese
ProfessionPhilosopher
CountryChina
distance army people
To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.
ears
When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.
intelligent frogs way
There is an intelligent way to eat a live frog - I just don't know what it is.
art-of-war fighting order
In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
winning self enemy
Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.
victory wrecks execution
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.
army fighting excellence
Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.
art war use
Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.
war enemy firsts
Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.
preparation retreat speak
One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.
lying war fighting
Perfection in war lies in so sapping your opponents will that he surrenders without fighting.
intelligent people use
And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.
distance enemy victory
Therefore, to estimate the enemy situation and to calculate distances and the degree of difficulty of the terrain so as to control victory are virtues of the superior general.
design troops tasks
Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.