Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Quote by Sun Tzu

Topics: Sun Tzu Quotes

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.

So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence.

So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence.

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists...

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists...

It is imperative to contest all factions for complete victory, so the army is not...

It is imperative to contest all factions for complete victory, so the army is not...

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend;...

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend;...

Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the...

Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the...

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against...

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against...

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the...

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the...

Do not press an enemy at bay.

Do not press an enemy at bay.

All war is based on deception.

All war is based on deception.

War is based on deception.

War is based on deception.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain...

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain...

You have to believe in yourself.

You have to believe in yourself.

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than...

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than...

Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?

Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation,...

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation,...

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists...

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists...

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of...

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of...