Sun Tzu

There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever be seen. There are not more than five musical notes (Gong, Shang, Chiao, Chih, Yu), yet their combinations yield more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five cardinal tastes (sour, acrid, salt, sweet, bitter), yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted.

In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost.

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

If a battle is to be fought, it must be planned with precision and executed with speed.

The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang Shan mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by both head and tail.

Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

By discovering the enemy's dispositions and remaining invisible ourselves, we can keep our forces concentrated, while the enemy's must be divided.

When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him move.

The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the other, a victory that is complete.

If, in the midst of difficulties, we are able to seize an advantage, then we shall surely triumph.

When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened.

The wise warrior avoids the battle.

A leader leads by example, not by force.

Put them in a place whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

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 divisions between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

Never venture to move, unless to gain a decided advantage; never do battle, unless the stake is important.