Quotes by 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.

mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy

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

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.

If there is disturbance in the camp, the generals authority is weak. 

the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation

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

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

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemys purpose.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Danger has a bracing effect.

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