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
country war
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.
forbid result ruler sure though
If fighting is sure to result in victory, than you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
captures cities kingdom laying leader lengthy operations siege therefore troops winners-and-winning
Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.
battles breaking conquer conquest consists excellence fight resistance supreme
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
breaking chinese-philosopher consists enemies resistance supreme
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
commander good
A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.
goes men officers trained
Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.
against chinese-philosopher defeat defeating lies opportunity ourselves provided secure
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
enemy defeated wells
He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.
warrior winning bravery
Therefore the victories of good warriors are not noted for cleverness or bravery. Therefore their victories in battle are not flukes. Their victories are not flukes because they position themselves where they will surely win, prevailing over those wh.
art-of-war self-confidence winning
Know yourself and you will win all battles.
enemy may arrogant
Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.
victory
It is not a victory unless you say `Jumanji´.
fighting might chance
If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner