All Sun Tzu Quotes
- The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming. Ambuscade
- Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field. Acme
- Invincibility is in oneself, and vulnerability is in the opponent. Invincibility is a matter of defense, vulnerability is a matter of attack. Therefore skillful warriors… Able
- Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared Calamity
- Quickness is the essence of the war. Essence
- Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat. Advances
- Know the enemy and know yourself. Enemy
- Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of… Alternative
- Attack the enemy's strategy. Attack
- Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety. Army
- If I wish to engage, then the enemy, for all his high ramparts and deep moat, cannot avoid engagement; I attack that which he is… All
- In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. Indirect tactics,… All
- Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot. Covenant
- To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer… Allies
- When he pretends to flee, do not pursue. Flee
- There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over. Armies
- Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient. Abundant
- Weigh the situation, then move. Inspirational
- Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you. Bypass
- You cannot know if you will be successful or not. You can only prepare for battle and it must be done with all of your… All
- Therefore the victories of good warriors are not noted for cleverness or bravery. Therefore their victories in battle are not flukes. Their victories are not… Battle
- If you follow the enemy's shifts and changes, you can always find a way to win. Always Find
- However desperate the situation and circumstances, don't despair. When there is everything to fear, be unafraid. When surrounded by dangers, fear none of them. When… Circumstances
- He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them. Captured
- Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Effort