Quotes

What have you gained from philosophy? — This at least, if nothing else: to be prepared for every fortune.

If your mind stops at your opponent’s sword, you lose your freedom to act.

A thousand days of training is called forging; ten thousand days of training is called tempering.

Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on your own readiness to receive him.

Advance where no one can stop you; retreat where you cannot be overtaken.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

A good army first makes itself invincible, and then waits for the moment when the enemy can be defeated.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

If you find anything better than justice, truth, temperance and fortitude, turn to it with all your soul. But if you find nothing better, give place to nothing else.

Whatever anyone does or says, I must be good.