Quote

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

Sun Tzu

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Sun Tzu
Military Personnel
Philosopher
Strategist
Writer
Kingdom of Qi
Sun Wu
Sun Zi
Changqing
Terms
Enemy
Term
Sure
Powerful
War
Art
Unavoidable
Make
Engage

More quotes by Sun Tzu

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In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.
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To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful... It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap.
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Attack the enemy's strategy.
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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.
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Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning by noonday it has begun to flag and in the evening, his mind is only on returning to camp.
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Engage people with what they expect it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.
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War is a matter of vital importance to the state the province of life or death the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.
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Someone unfamiliar with the mountains and forests cannot advance [the team]. One who does not employ local guides cannot gain the advantage.
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Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.
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There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.
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A wise general makes a point of foraging of the enemy.
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Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
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In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.
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Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.
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When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.
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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.
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One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.
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Weigh the situation, then move.
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Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.
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When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.
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