The Art of War - Sun Tzu

Some excerpts from the book 'The art of War", Finding that this is applicable not only in war,but every walks of life in current competitive world.

• War is a matter of Life and Death, a road either to safety or to ruin
• According as circumstances are favourable, one should modify one's plans.
• All warfare is based on deception
• when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem 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.
• Hold our baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
• Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
• To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excelllence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
• To secure ourselves against defear lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defearing the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
• The Good fighter is able to secure himself against defear, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
• In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.
• The good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.
• The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
• The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points.
• Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.
• All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
• Do not repear the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.
• So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
• Just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
• One cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbours.
• In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.
• When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
• Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
• He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
• If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.
• The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.
• It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
• Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
• The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.
• Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.
• Be subtle! Be subtle ! and use your spies for every kind of business.