Tag Archive for war

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.
- Sun Tzu

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.
- Sun Tzu

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy.
- Sun Tzu

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
- Sun Tzu

There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.
- Sun Tzu

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.
- Sun Tzu

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.
- Sun Tzu

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.
- Sun Tzu

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
- Sun Tzu

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.
- Sun Tzu