Quotes from Sun Tzu

Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

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

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

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Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

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Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

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When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march, do not advance to meet it in mid-stream. It will be best to let half the army get across, and then deliver your attack.

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If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.

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Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

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

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Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

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In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.

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He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.