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
peace art-of-war covenant
Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
enemy
Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
arrows clouds target
When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.
enemy superiors ifs
If your enemy is superior, evade him
art-of-war needs calamity
Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
art-of-war exercise light
He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
war matter states
War is a matter of vital importance to the state.
land enemy weapons
Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.
moving heaven victory
Those skilled in attack move as from above the nine-fold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining complete victory.
enemy able disposition
If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.
art war movement
Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.
inspirational art fear
Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never peril.
strong deception arrogance
All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. When he concentrates, prepare against him; where he is strong, avoid him. Anger his general and confuse him. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
art war moving
When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.