The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim. Sun Tzu More Quotes by Sun Tzu More Quotes From Sun Tzu Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy. Sun Tzu armylyingenemy There is no place where espionage is not possible. Sun Tzu espionage If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in. Sun Tzu art-of-wardoorsenemy Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot. Sun Tzu art-of-warplotpeace The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you. Sun Tzu wisewarart The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming. Sun Tzu risingflightbird If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage. Sun Tzu distancewarart Therefore, to estimate the enemy situation and to calculate distances and the degree of difficulty of the terrain so as to control victory are virtues of the superior general. Sun Tzu distancevictoryenemy If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless. Sun Tzu punishmentsoldierwar The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated. Sun Tzu armylosshome O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands. Sun Tzu fatehandsart Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him. Sun Tzu selfwarart When he pretends to flee, do not pursue. Sun Tzu pursue If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them. Sun Tzu strengthstrongpeace The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers. Sun Tzu numbersmenwar Do not press an enemy at bay. Sun Tzu warenemyart Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned. Sun Tzu warenemyart 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 defensedoewar Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans. Sun Tzu warartmoving The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution. Sun Tzu cautionenlightenedwar
