By Sun Tzu.
There is no instance of a country having benefitted from prolonged warfare.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War ii. Waging War
It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War ii. Waging War
Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
Thus 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.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War iii. Attack by Strategem
Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War vi. Weak Points and Strong
Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War vi. Weak Points and Strong
Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War vii. Maneuvering
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War vii. Maneuvering
There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must be not attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War viii. Variation in Tactics
There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: 1. Recklessness, which leads to destruction; 2. Cowardice, which leads to capture; 3. A hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; 4. A delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; 5. Over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War viii. Variation in Tactics
If you are careful of your men, and camp on hard ground, the army will be free from disease of every kind, and this will spell victory.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War ix. The Army on the March
When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet, he is relying on the natural strength of his position.
When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War ix. The Army on the March
When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
If the enemy sees an advantage to be gained and makes no effort to secure it, the soldiers are exhausted.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War ix. The Army on the March
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.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War x. Terrain
Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War x. Terrain
Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War xi. The Nine Situations
Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War xi. The Nine Situations
Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War xii. The Attack by Fire
No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
— Sun Tzu, The Art of War xii. The Attack by Fire