Words of Wisdom: Sun Tzu (Part 1)

Sun Tsu was a Chinese military strategist and author of the book, "The Art of War".  Here are some of his thoughts:

  • If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril
  • For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards
  • He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious
  • The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting
  • Opportunities multiply as they are seized
  • Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy
  • All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved
  • It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results
  • Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories
  • Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge
  • Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations
  • 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
  • Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
  • 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
  • Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat
  • The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom
  • All warfare is based on deception
  • There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare
  • If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near



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Words of Wisdom: General George S. Patton
Words of Wisdom: A Recap of Recaps
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Why I Like Motivational and Inspiring Quotes 

 

 

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