What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.
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.
The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.
Plan for what it is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.
Conform to the enemy's tactics until a favorable opportunity offers; then come forth and engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.
By reinforcing every part, he weakens every part.
When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders'.
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.
When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is COLLAPSE.
Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.
Knowing the enemy enables you to take the offensive, knowing yourself enables you to stand on the defensive.
If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
Hence a commander who advances without any thought of winning personal fame and withdraws in spite of certain punishment, whose only concern is to protect his people and promote the interests of his r...
Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory; show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat.
If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.
If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner
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;
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.