Sun Tzu Quotes

14 quotes from Sun Tzu on entrepreneurship and motivation.

On entrepreneurship

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
It is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders'.
First lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.
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.
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
If you do not take opportunity to advance and reward the deserving, your subordinates will not carry out your commands, and disaster will ensue.
The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.
Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.