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.
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear 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.
If you’re not ready to die for it, take the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his.
When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!
Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.
If you wish to control others you must first control yourself.