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
attack importance supreme war
Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.
captures cities disputes forces intact kingdom laying leader lengthy mastery operations siege troops
The skillful 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. With his forces intact he disputes the mastery of the emp
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.
commander good
A good commander is benevolent and unconcerned with fame.
strength peace war
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
art-of-war opportunity enemy
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
art-of-war fighting wish
He who wishes to fight must first count the cost
art-of-war self enemy
Know thy self, know thy enemy.
strength military art-of-war
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
art-of-war water shapes
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
strength strong peace
If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.
art-of-war enemy retreat
Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.
art-of-war exercise light
He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
strength peace war
The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.