Sun Tzu

Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.

First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.

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

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.

He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.

It is more important to outhink your enemy, than to outfight him

Rapidity is the essence of war.

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

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

The best general is the one who never fights.

All wars are won or lost before they are ever fought.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.

In executing an Artful Strategy: When ten times greater, surround them; When five times greater, attack them; When two times greater, scatter them. If the opponent is ready to challenge: When fewer in number, be ready to evade them; When unequal to the match, be ready to avoid them. Even when the smaller opponents have a strong position, the larger opponent will capture them.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.