Sun Tzu, The Art of War

All 13 chapters:

“Thus, those skilled in war subdue the enemy’s army without battle. They capture his cities without assaulting them and overthrow his state without protracted operations.”

“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It’s a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances it can be neglected.”

‘Humble words and increased preparations are signs that enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.’ - Sun Tzu

Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Loose lips sink ships!

War is an art, only those that can hear the beautiful melodies of confusion would dance in the midst of chaos! Let’s enjoy the greatest show on earth.

“When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away.” - Sun Tzu

And addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?

Thus, what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.

In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.

Sun Tzu said: 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 it is not so good. So, too, it is better to capture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden,  until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is noise before defeat.

Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognises nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.

If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory is won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

Be stern in the council-chamber, [Show no weakness, and insist on your plans being ratified by the sovereign.] so that you may control the situation.