sun tzu know when to stop
Teaching & Wisdom
Key Takeaway: An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence.
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence. Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations. • Appear weak when you are strong • Protracted war benefits no one • Character determines strategy
As Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, the classic text of Chinese strategic thought, An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence.
— Oriens
Related Wisdom Cards
All Warfare Is Deception
Appear weak when you are strong
Swift Victory
Protracted war benefits no one
Know the Enemy General
Character determines strategy
Related Guides
Art Of War Chapters
The chapter index owns chapter navigation and hands readers to the Art of War work node.
Art Of War Complete Guide
The complete guide owns the extended reading path while handing readers to the Art of War work node.
What Is Art Of War
The definition guide owns the concise source-bound orientation to the Art of War; the entity remains the work node.
Frequently Asked Questions
sun tzu know when to stop
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu the five fundamentals
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu feed on the enemy
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu win without fighting
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu never besiege a city
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu know when to fight
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu make yourself invincible
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu the rush of water
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu the normal and the extraordinary
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu know when to break the rules
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu weigh the advantages
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu six kinds of terrain
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu nine kinds of ground
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu on death ground, fight
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu foreknowledge is everything
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu read the signs
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu the sound of silence
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu turn the enemy's spies
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu the five dangerous faults
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu the general must be calm
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu reward and punishment
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu unite them with purpose
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu treat soldiers as children
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu when words are not enough
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu know when to stop
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
sun tzu attack by fire
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
sun tzu do not act from anger
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Five Fundamentals
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Measure before you move
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Swift Victory
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Protracted war benefits no one
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Feed on the Enemy
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Use what is already there
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Win Without Fighting
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The supreme art of war
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Never Besiege a City
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The cost of direct assault
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Know When to Fight
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Five essentials for engagement
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Make Yourself Invincible
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
First secure against defeat
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Rush of Water
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Timing is everything
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Normal and the Extraordinary
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Endless combinations
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Attack Where They Are Not
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The art of emptiness and fullness
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Be Shapeless as Water
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Adapt to the terrain
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Know When to Break the Rules
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
There are roads not to follow
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Weigh the Advantages
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Consider both sides of every move
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Six Kinds of Terrain
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Know the ground you stand on
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Nine Kinds of Ground
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Each situation demands its own response
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
On Death Ground, Fight
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Desperation is a strategy
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Foreknowledge Is Everything
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
What you cannot learn from spirits
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Five Kinds of Spies
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Every source has its use
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Read the Signs
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
What the environment tells you
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Sound of Silence
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
When there are no signs
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Turn the Enemy's Spies
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The converted spy is priceless
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The Five Dangerous Faults
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
What destroys a general
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
The General Must Be Calm
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Inscrutable and controlled
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Reward and Punishment
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
When to use each
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Unite Them with Purpose
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The moral law
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Treat Soldiers as Children
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Lead with care, command with discipline
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
When Words Are Not Enough
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Beyond orders and drums
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Know When to Stop
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Victory has its limits
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Attack by Fire
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The most destructive weapon
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Do Not Act from Anger
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The sovereign must not mobilize in rage
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
Avoid What Is Strong
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
Strike what is weak
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..
War Is a Matter of Life and Death
Later readers have applied the text beyond warfare, but those uses are later interpretations..
The first words of the text
An ancient Chinese military text traditionally attributed to Sunzi (孙子), transmitted in thirteen chapters on assessment, campaigning, attack, position, movement, terrain, command, fire attack, and intelligence..