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Sun Tzu Quotes
China
Sun Tzu (孫子 Sūn Zǐ; c. 6th century BC) was a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Eastern Zhou 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 East Asian philosophy and military thinking.
China Military leaders Non-fiction authors Philosophers Also known as: Sun Tsu, Sun tzu, Sun-Tsu, Sun-Tzu, Sun-tzu, Art of War
Random Sun Tzu quote
54 quotes
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.
Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.
Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.
The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.
Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.
When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.
A skilled commander seeks victory from the situation and does not demand it of his subordinates.
To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.
One defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks when it is abundant.
Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.
What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
A man who never faces any enemies shall be invincible in battle, but will ultimately succumb to defeat in every confrontation.
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
Speed is the essence of war. Take advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions.
Where the army is, prices are high; when prices rise the wealth of the people is exhausted.
And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.
In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.
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