Share
×
Inspirational Quotes
Authors
Professions
Topics
Tags
Quote
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.
Sun Tzu
Share
Change background
T
T
T
Change font
Original
TAGS & TOPICS
Sun Tzu
Military Personnel
Philosopher
Strategist
Writer
Kingdom of Qi
Sun Wu
Sun Zi
Changqing
Fighting
Destined
War
Seeks
Firsts
Whereas
Looks
Defeat
Stratagem
First
Thus
Strategist
Army
Victorious
Victory
Fights
Battle
Afterwards
More quotes by Sun Tzu
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.
Sun Tzu
The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.
Sun Tzu
A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.
Sun Tzu
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
If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.
Sun Tzu
They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.
Sun Tzu
Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.
Sun Tzu
Every battle is won before it is fought.
Sun Tzu
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
He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
Sun Tzu
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
Sun Tzu
It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.
Sun Tzu
Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.
Sun Tzu
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
To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.
Sun Tzu
Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.
Sun Tzu
Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
Sun Tzu
Secret operations are essential in war upon them the army relies to make its every move.
Sun Tzu
Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.
Sun Tzu
When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.
Sun Tzu