Quotes

He who knows he has enough is rich.

There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can surpass it.

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

Many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all!

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

The best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

All warfare is based on deception.

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

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

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

A victorious army first secures victory and only then seeks battle; a defeated army first fights and only then looks for victory.