Quote collection
450 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The General who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state."
"Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength."
"Do not press an enemy at bay."
"If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst."
"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."
"So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat."
"If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers."
"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."
"He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign."
"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."
"He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious."
"To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence."
"One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity."
"There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen."
"So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing."
"Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision."
"In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed."
"He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them."
"It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order."
"Perfection in war lies in so sapping your opponents will that he surrenders without fighting."