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Sun Tzu Quotes

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Famous Sun Tzu Quotes

“There is nothing more difficult than tactical maneuvering. The difficult consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.”

WayLongArtWarShowsDifficultGoalEnemyGainsDirectStartingMisfortunesRoutesArt Of WarArtificeTacticalDeviationDeviousEnticing
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.”

ShouldMayArtWarTurnsEnemyPositionOffersAdvantageArmyAttractiveRetreatArt Of WarBaitEnticingAdvisable
Book:Sun Tzu's The Art of War: Bilingual Edition Complete Chinese and English Text
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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.”

DoeArtWarAsksSpeakLanguageWishUnderstandingTermEnemyAdvantageHumblePreparationRetreatArt Of WarDeceptiveApologeticRespiteTruce
Author:Sun Tzu
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“If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”

IfsGivingMayForceGrowsUnitedEnemySubjectsMilitaryStrengthWeakPreparedExpectedSuperiorsSecureEaseOpponentsDivisionWhere You AreArrogantBe PreparedSovereignArt Of WarAccordStrategistUnpreparedTacticalWar StrategyTactics And StrategyMilitary StrategyPreparing For War
Author:Sun Tzu
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“The art of using troops is this: ......When ten to the enemy's one, surround him; ......When five times his strength, attack him; ......If double his strength, divide him; ......If equally matched you may engage him; ......If weaker numerically, be capable of withdrawing; ......And if in all respects unequal, be capable of eluding him, ..........for a small force is but booty for one more powerful.”

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Author:Sun Tzu
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“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

IfsKnowsNeedsWarInspirationSufferingResultsEnemyMilitaryVictoryBattleDrugHundredStrategyDefeatWarriorKnow YourselfArt Of WarStrategicGreat WarStrategistWar StrategyStratagemFighting BattlesGreatest VictoryWar VictoryGreatest MilitaryGreat BattleWill To FightMilitary StrategyWars And BattlesDefeating The EnemyWar With Yourself
Book:The Art of War
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