"The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary."
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Quote collection
Sun Tzu quotes (page 4 of 23)
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"Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack."
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"Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization."
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"Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards... 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, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain."
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"Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness."
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"Opportunities multiply as they are seized."
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"When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise."
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"First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability."
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"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat."
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"The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men."
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"There is no place where espionage is not possible."
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"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."
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"Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions."
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"When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this."
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"When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways."
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"There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed."
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"You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive."
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"The true objective of war is peace."
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"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."
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"Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots."
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