Sun Tzu

If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

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.

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight, even at the ruler's bidding.

Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

The greatest generals are those who have never fought a battle.

Confront them with the advantageous and they will take the bait; confront them with the harmful and they will not come.

If you are strong, appear weak. If you are weak, appear strong.

Making your enemy's plans go awry is the best strategy.

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.

The art of war is like a game of chess, but with real lives.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

Therefore, the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.

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 (C, D, E, F, G), yet in combination these give rise to 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.

If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame. But if orders are clear and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.

Never venture to attack, unless you are quite sure of success.