Laying Plans Sun Tzu said: "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. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected."
Waging War Sun Tzu said: "What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations."
Attack by Stratagem Sun Tzu said: "It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle."
Tactical Dispositions Sun Tzu said: "Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
Energy Sun Tzu said: "By holding out baits, he keeps him on the march; then with a body of picked men he lies in wait for him."
Energy Sun Tzu said: "Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions."