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One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

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For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left...more

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If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

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You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hol...more

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Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

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It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our a...more

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To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

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the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

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Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

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War is like a fire - if you do not put it out, it will burn itself out.

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Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

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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 bat...more

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The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

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When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION.

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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...more