When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.

— Sun Tzu

When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away...

— Sun Tzu

When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.

— Sun Tzu

When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

— Sun Tzu

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

— Sun Tzu

Whether in an advantageous position or a disadvantageous one, the opposite state should be always present to your mind.

— Sun Tzu

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits

— Sun Tzu

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 battle will arrive exhausted.

— Sun Tzu

Who wishes to fight must first count the cost

— Sun Tzu

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.

— Sun Tzu