Quotes

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.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

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 I am upright, people will act without being ordered. If I am not upright, they will not obey even when I give orders.

At first, my way with men was to hear their words and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words and look at their conduct.

The ancients did not readily give utterance to their words, for they were ashamed lest their actions should not come up to them.