Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemys strategy. – Sun Tzu
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemys country whole and intact to shatter and destroy it is not so good. – Sun Tzu
All war is deception. – Sun Tzu
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. – Sun Tzu
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. – Sun Tzu
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. – Sun Tzu
All war is based on deception. – Sun Tzu
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited. – Sun Tzu
Secret operations are essential in war upon them the army relies to make its every move. – Sun Tzu
If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity. – Sun Tzu
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man. – Sun Tzu
If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. – Sun Tzu
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. – Sun Tzu
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. – Sun Tzu
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious. – Sun Tzu
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can? – Sun Tzu
It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results. – Sun Tzu
The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. – Sun Tzu
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. – Sun Tzu
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. – Sun Tzu