Best quotes from The Art of War

Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.

When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

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

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

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

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

If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.