Quotes by Sun Tzu

Be where your enemy is not.

Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull.  Such an opponent, must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain.

When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away...

Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemys fate in our hands.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst. [One may know the condition of a whole army from the behavior of a single man.]

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Understand both yourself and your enemy, and you shall always emerge victorious

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity

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