Sun Tzu

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

Sun Tzu

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

Sun Tzu

A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.

Sun Tzu

And regulation entails organizational effectiveness, a chain of command, and a structure for logistical support.

Sun Tzu

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Sun Tzu

Asked if an army can be made to imitate the SHUAI-JAN, I should answer, Yes. For the men of Wu and the men of Yueh are enemies; yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other’s assistance just as the left hand helps the right.

Sun Tzu

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

Sun Tzu

Be the first to seize intersecting ground, that is ground which lies the intersections of borders or intersections of main thoroughfares of commerce and travel. Your occupation of it gives you access to all who border it and all who would covet it. On intersecting ground, if you establish alliances you are safe, if you lose alliances you are in peril.

Sun Tzu

Be where your enemy is not.

Sun Tzu

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

Sun Tzu