Find below some of my favorite Sun Tzu quotes. These quotes, I feel, are special because they encapsulate The Sun Tzu Way. May they also bring you wisdom.
Warfare is the top matter of the nation - the ground of life and death, the way of survival and ruin. It must be examined.
- Book 1, "Calculations"
Therefore, one who does not fully know the dangers of using the army cannot fully know the advantages of using the army.
- Book 2, "Doing Battle"
Know the self, know the other, and victory will not be in danger. Know the Heaven, know the Ground, and victory will be complete.
- Book 10, "Ground Positioning"
If there is no advantage, do not move. If there is nothing to gain, do not mobilize. If there is no danger, do not fight. The ruler may not, from anger, dispatch soldiers. The general may not, from resentment, seek to fight. If engaging to take an advantage, then move. If not, then stop.
- Book 12, "Fire Attacks"
The winning army first wins, and later seeks to do battle. The defeated army first battles, and later seeks to win.
- Book 5, "Positioning"
Attack where he is unprepared. Go out to where he does not expect.
- Book 1, "Calculations"
Therefore, winning a hundred battles is not the best skill. Not doing battle, yet still subduing the enemy's army, is the best skill.
- Book 3, "Planning Attacks"
One who can make the enemy change and achieve victory is called 'divine.' Therefore, of the five elements, none has constant victory; of the four seasons, none has a constant position. The sun is short and long, and the moon dies and is reborn.
- Book 6, "Emptiness & Fullness"
Do not rely on the enemy not coming. Rely on our ability to await him. Do not rely on the enemy not attacking. Rely on our having a place which cannot be attacked.
- Book 8, "The Nine Transformations"
