With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: “Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

A warlike prince does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

When neither side will gain by making the first move, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

After crossing a river, you should get far away from it.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

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

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

Having collected an army and concentrated his forces, the general must blend and harmonize the different elements thereof before pitching his camp.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

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

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

The highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy’s plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy’s forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy’s army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

The skillful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail against you.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

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

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

A wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy’s provisions is equivalent to twenty of one’s own, and likewise a single picul of his provender is equivalent to twenty from one’s own store.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu

Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge, they will stand firm. If they are in hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, they will fight hard.

#Quotes #War #Tactics #Strategy #ArtOfWar #SunTzu