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Sun Tzu Quotes

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Famous Sun Tzu Quotes

“We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. 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. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.”

ArtWarCountryUseFacesTurnsNaturalDesignFitMountainAdvantageAccountsArmyGuidesLocalsForestsFamiliarMarchArt Of WarAlliancesSwampsPrecipicePitfallsMarshes
Book:The Complete Art of War
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“Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.”

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Book:Sun Tzu's The Art of War: Bilingual Edition Complete Chinese and English Text
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“In a position of this sort, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.”

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Book:Sun Tzu's The Art of War: Bilingual Edition Complete Chinese and English Text
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“When your weapons are dulled and ardour damped, your strength exhausted and treasure spent, neighboring rulers will take advantage of your distress to act. And even though you have wise counsellors, none will be able to lay good plans for the future. Thus, while we have heard of blundering swiftness in war, we have not yet seen a clever operation that was prolonged.”

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Author:Sun Tzu
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“When the enemy's envoy's speak in humble terms, but continues his preparations, he will advance. When their language is deceptive but the enemy pretentiously advances, he will retreat. When the envoys speak in apologetic terms, he wishes a respite. When without a previous understanding the enemy asks for a truce, he is plotting. When the enemy sees an advantage but does not advance to seize it, he is fatigued.”

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Author:Sun Tzu
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“No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.”

IfsShouldMayWarMovingFightingFieldsBattleAdvantageKingdomsDestroyedWhere You AreRulersTroopsArt Of WarGladnessStrategistVexationSpleenPique
Book:The Art of War
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“If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.”

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Book:The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China
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