The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Here’s some quotes I found meaningful from this much praised classic.

All warfare is based on deception.

Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.

…though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been associated with long delays.

…to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

What the ancients called a clever fight is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory.

All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark.

The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.

…soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.

In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack — the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of manoeuvres.

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

He who knows these 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.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead.

Knowledge of the enemy’s dispositions can only be obtained from other men.

Military strategy can be applied to business and life – that’s why I think this book is referenced over and over. The title definitely helps too.

Hope you found the above quotes of interest and useful.

Regards,

Sam