Excerpts from
SUN TZU
THE ART OF WAR (500 B.C.)

• constant distraction of the enemy provides opportunity
• probing and testing the enemy is an essential
    preliminary to combat
• war must be thoroughly studied; weapons are only to be
    used when there is no alternative; where the enemy is
    strong, avoid him
• all warfare is deception; a skilled general conceals his
    true disposition and ultimate intent
• when near he makes it appear that he is far away; when
    far away, that he is near
• the most important preliminary part of battle is to
    attack the mind of the enemy
• when you withdraw; move so swiftly that you cannot be
    overtaken
• a withdrawal is designed to entice the enemy, to
    unbalance him, and to create a situation favorable for
    a counter-attack
• attacks should be unexpected, strange, or unorthodox
• a wise general is prudent, but not hesitant; he sees
    opportunity and acts swiftly and decisively keep the
    enemy under strain, and wear him down
• when the enemy advances, we retreat; when the enemy
    halts, we harass; when the enemy seeks to avoid battle,
    we attack; when the enemy retreats, we pursue
• deception and surprise are two key elements of battle
• confuse the enemy by creating "illusions"
• weapons are important, but man's intelligence is what
    counts most
• a wise general prefers to succeed by strategy
• when near, make it appear that you are far away; when
    far away, that you are near
• pretend inferior and encourage your enemy's arrogance
• attack where he is unprepared; move toward him when he
    does not expect you
• to subdue the enemy without fighting is the essence of
    skill
• attack the enemy's strategy; attack the enemy's plans;
    .... Attack where he is unprepared
• if you are weaker than your enemy, temporarily avoid
    his initial onrush.....then arouse yourself and seek
    victory with determined spirit
• he who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will
    be victorious
• he who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not,
    will be victorious
• know the enemy and know yourself; "that which depends
    on me, I can do"
• one may know how to win, but cannot necessarily do so
• one defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks
    when it is abundant
• take advantage of the enemy's lmpreparedness; attack
    him when he does not expect it; avoid his strength and
    strike his emptiness, and like water, none can oppose you
• use the normal force to engage; use the extraordinary
    force to win
• strike the enemy as swiftly as a falcon strikes its
    target
• entice the enemy to come to you by offering him some
    advantage; prevent the enemy from coming to you by
    hurting him; use but little strength to achieve much
• when the enemy is at ease weary him,; when at rest, make 
    him move
• move swiftly where the enemy does not expect you; hit
    him where he does not expect you; attack the place your
    enemy does not protect
• against an expert, the enemy does not know where to
    attack
• I make the enemy see my strengths as my weaknesses,
    and my weaknesses as my strengths while I cause his
    strengths to become weaknesses and discover where he
    is not strong;
• In withdrawal, move so swiftly that you cannot be
    overtaken
• When I wish to avoid battle, the enemy will be unable to
    attack me because I divert him from where he wishes to
    go "Come like the wind, go like the lightning"
• The enemy must not know where I intend to give battle.
    For if he does not know he must prepare in many places;
    and if he prepares in many places I will be victorious in a
    few
• If he prepare in his front, his rear will be weak, and to
    the rear, his front will be fragile. When he prepares
    everywhere he will weak everywhere; and therefore,
    will have to guard against me everywhere
• Those skilled in war must know where and when a battle
    will be fought
• Determine the enemy's plans and you will know which
    strategy will be successful and which will not; Agitate
    him and ascertain his pattern ofmovements
• Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and
    where he is deficient
• Respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways
• Just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to
    the lowlands; so an army avoids strength and attacks
    weakness
• Tum misfortune to advantage; divert the enemy by
    enticing him with bait
• War is based on deception; move when it is advantageous
    and create changes in the situation
• He who knows the art ofthe direct and the indirect
    approach will be victorious
• Control the mental factor; avoid the enemy when he is
    keen in spirit and attack when he is sluggish
• When he pretends to flee, do not pursue. "the fish that
    covets bait is caught" ....there are some roads not meant
    to follow .
• Do not press an enemy at bay. "wild beast, when at bay,
    fight desperately"
• If I wish to take advantage of the enemy I must perceive
    not just my advantage, but must first consider the ways
    he can harm me if I do
• When the world is at peace, a gentleman keeps his sword
    by his side
• One who esteems life above all else, will be overcome
    with hesitancy
• An impulsive man can be provoked to rage and brought to
    death
• One anxious to defend his reputation, pays no regard to
    anything else
• When the enemy sees an advantage but does not advance
    to seize it, he is fatigued
• When the enemy is clamorous, he is fearful; they are
    boisterous to reassure themselves
• Know the enemy, know yourself
• Anticipate the enemy and take something he values
• "Those who cling to life die and those who defy death live