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Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.

Sun Tzu

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Sun Tzu
Military Personnel
Philosopher
Strategist
Writer
Kingdom of Qi
Sun Wu
Sun Zi
Changqing
Probe
Deficient
Abundant
Strength
Learn

More quotes by Sun Tzu

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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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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.
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A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.
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In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.
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Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.
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Every battle is won before it is fought.
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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.
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A warrior who is prepared to fight must also be prepared to die.
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He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.
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Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.
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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...they have form but are formless. They are skilled in both planning and adapting and need not fear the result of a thousand battles: for they win in advance, defeating those that have already lost.
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Attack is the secret of defense defense is the planning of an attack.
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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.
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All war is deception.
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Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Sun Tzu
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When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
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When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.
Sun Tzu