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
chinese-philosopher doubt enemy heaven stand victory
If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.
chinese-philosopher lies-and-lying victory
Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
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
instance prolonged war
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.
consists enemy excellence supreme warfare
Supreme excellence in warfare consists of subduing the enemy without fighting.
chinese-philosopher
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious.
chinese-philosopher disaster hundred
Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.
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.
art-of-war self-confidence winning
Know yourself and you will win all battles.
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