The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. |
The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side. |
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. |
The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated. |
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim. |
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man. |
The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field. With his forces intact he disputes the mastery of the emp |
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. |
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. |
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. |
There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. |
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited. |
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. |
Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory. |
Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory. |