Know the enemy and know yourself.
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle
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.
If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
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.
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.
He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
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