Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.
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Sun Tzu
Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.
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Sun Tzu
Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.
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Sun Tzu
You cannot know if you will be successful or not. You can only prepare for battle and it must be done with all of your heart and with all of your consciousness. In that manner, you will have an edge.
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Sun Tzu
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
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Sun Tzu
He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.
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Sun Tzu
First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.
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Sun Tzu
Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.
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Sun Tzu
Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.
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Sun Tzu
These are the six ways of courting defeat - neglect to estimate the enemy's strength; want of authority; defective training; unjustifiable anger; nonobservance of discipline; failure to use picked men.
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Sun Tzu
The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
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Sun Tzu
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.
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Sun Tzu
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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Sun Tzu
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
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Sun Tzu
Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.
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Sun Tzu
All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.
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Sun Tzu