This book, meant so much to me. It's knowledge is invaluable and served me more times than I care to remember. I re-read this book at least once every couple of months. I have most of the core teachings memorized enough for them to pop up whenever a situation warrants. I've selected some of more interesting sections from the book. My favorite quote in the entire book is 14.
Laying of Plans
1.) All warfare is based on deception.
2.) Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must appear to be far away; when we are far, we must make him believe we are near
3.) If he is secured at all points, be prepared for him. If he is of superior strength evade him.
4.) If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, so that he may grow arrogant.
5.) If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united seperate them.
6.) Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
Waging War
7.) Though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been associated with long delays.
8.) There is no instance of a country benefiting from prolonged warfare.
9.) A wise General makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of enemy provisions is equivalent to 20 of one's own.
Attack By Stratagem
10.) 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 is good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it.
11.) Hence to fight and conquer in all of your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
12.) It is the rule of 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 army in two.
13.) Hence the saying: if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Tactical Dispositions
14.) The good fighters of the old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for and opportunity of defeating the enemy.
15.) To secure ourselves of defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity to defeat the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
16.) One may know how to conquer without knowing how to do it.
17.) What the ancients considered a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.
18.) He wins battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
19.) Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory, whereas the strategist destined for defeats looks for victory in battle.
20.) The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power control success.
Army on the March
21.) Humble words are signs the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to attack are signs he will retreat.
22.) Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indictae a plot.
23.) When there is much running about and the soldiers fall into rank, it means a critical moment has come.
24.) Too frequent rewards signify that the enemy is at the end of his resources, too many punishments betray a condition of dire distress.
25.) Therefore enemy captive soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control with iron discipline.
26.) If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.
Energy
27.) A good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.
Weak Points & Strong
28.) The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy.
29.) Appear at points where the enemy must hasten to defend. March swiftly to places where you are not expected.
30.) Numerical weakness comes from having to prepare against possible attacks; numerical strenght is compelling your enemy to make these preparations.
31.) Military tactics are like unto water. To avoid what is strong and to strike what is weak.
Maneuvering
32.) The host thus should be forming a single united body, because it is impossible for brave men to advance alone or for the cowardly to retreat alone. this is the art of managing masses of men.
33.) Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy. This is the art of retaining self possession.
34.) Refrain from attacking an enemy whose camp banners are in perfect order.
35.) When surrounding an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard,
Variation In Tactics
36.) In a wise leader's plans, considerations of advantages and disadvantages are blended/weighed together.
37.) The art of war teaches us to not rely on the likelihood of the enemy not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him. Not on the chance of attacking, but making your position unassailable.
