When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.
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Sun Tzu
To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
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Sun Tzu
The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
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Sun Tzu
Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot manouver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.
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Sun Tzu
A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.
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Sun Tzu
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
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Sun Tzu
So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.
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Sun Tzu
The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.
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Sun Tzu
When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.
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Sun Tzu
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
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Sun Tzu
Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards... 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. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.
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Sun Tzu
So the principles of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.
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Sun Tzu
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
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Sun Tzu
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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Sun Tzu