Sun Tzu on Wisdom Quotes

"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight."

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak."

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant."

"The greatest victory is that which requires no battle."

"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response."

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

"The wise warrior avoids the battle."

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

"He who lacks foresight and underestimates his enemy will surely be captured."

"There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not struck, cities which must be not besieged."

"When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard."

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

"The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals."

"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."

"If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near."

"One may know how to conquer without being able to do it."

"All warfare is based on deception."

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him."

"Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack."

"If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them."

"To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence."

"Know yourself and you will win all battles."

"There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare."