Sun Tzu

Be calm enough to prevent war and prepared enough to end it.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

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

The wise warrior avoids the battle.

The greatest victory is the one that requires no battle.

Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

To fight and conquer in all our 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 results of a hundred battles.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

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

A battle that you win cancels all your mistakes.

There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.

Know yourself and you will win all battles.

Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.