Sun Tzu Quotes

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

~ Sun Tzu

For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

~ Sun Tzu

If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.

~ Sun Tzu

When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

~ Sun Tzu

War is like a fire - if you do not put it out, it will burn itself out.

~ Sun Tzu

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive;and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attachedto you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

~ Sun Tzu

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

~ Sun Tzu

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity

~ Sun Tzu

Move not unless you see an advantage,  use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.

~ Sun Tzu

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

~ Sun Tzu

If you do not take opportunity   to   advance and reward   the   deserving,   your subordinates will not carry out your commands, and disaster will ensue.

~ Sun Tzu

mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy

~ Sun Tzu

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear, then he will be amenable to your will.

~ Sun Tzu

If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

~ Sun Tzu

Conform to the enemy's tactics until a favorable opportunity offers, then come forth and engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.

~ Sun Tzu

When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.

~ Sun Tzu

If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. 

~ Sun Tzu

the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation

~ Sun Tzu

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.

~ Sun Tzu

When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.

~ Sun Tzu

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

~ Sun Tzu

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known, for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points

~ Sun Tzu

if you fight with all your might,  there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner

~ Sun Tzu

You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.

~ Sun Tzu

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.

~ Sun Tzu

Whether in an advantageous position or a disadvantageous one, the opposite state should be always present to your mind.

~ Sun Tzu

There are not more than five primary colors  (blue, yellow,  red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

~ Sun Tzu

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION.

~ Sun Tzu

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise,  for the result is waste of time and   general stagnation.

~ Sun Tzu

When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is COLLAPSE.

~ Sun Tzu

The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.

~ Sun Tzu

We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country -- its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps.

~ Sun Tzu

Danger has a bracing effect.

~ Sun Tzu

first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle;  if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured

~ Sun Tzu

If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some harm to us, and let this enter as a factor into our calculations.

~ Sun Tzu

To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

~ Sun Tzu

Be stern in the council-chamber, [Show no weakness, and insist on your plans being ratified by the sovereign.] so that you may control the situation.

~ Sun Tzu

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden,  until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

~ Sun Tzu

Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground.

~ Sun Tzu

When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march, do not advance to meet it in mid-stream.  It will be best to let half the army get across, and then deliver your attack.

~ Sun Tzu