Ralph D. Sawyer > Quotes

“Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“These are: (1) the Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) the Commander; (5) method and discipline.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Sun Tzu said: In the operations of war, where there are in the field a thousand swift chariots, as many heavy chariots, and a hundred thousand mail-clad soldiers, with provisions enough to carry them a thousand Li, the expenditure at home and at the front, including entertainment of guests, small items such as glue and paint, and sums spent on chariots and armour, will reach the total of a thousand ounces of silver per day. Such is the cost of raising an army of 100,000 men.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“The consummate leader cultivates the Moral Law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Hence”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, Art of War

“First, accord with what he likes in order to accommodate his wishes. He will eventually grow arrogant and invariably mount some perverse affair. If you can appear to follow along, you will certainly be able to eliminate him.
"Second, become familiar with those he loves in order to fragment his awesomeness. When men have two different inclinations, their loyalty invariably declines. When his court no longer has any loyal ministers, the state altars will inevitably be endangered.
"Third, covertly bribe his assistants, fostering a deep relationship with them. While they will bodily stand in his court, their emotions will be directed outside it. The state will certainly suffer harm.
"Fourth, assist him in his licentiousness and indulgence in music in order to dissipate his will. Make him generous gifts of pearls and jade, and ply him with beautiful women. Speak deferentially, listen respectfully, follow his commands, and accord with him in everything. He will never imagine you might be in conflict with him. Our treacherous measures will then be settled.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, The Seven Military Classics Of Ancient China

“The Sage accords with it and models himself on Heaven and Earth. Thus when the realm is well ordered, his benevolence and sagacity are hidden. When All under Heaven are in turbulence, his benevolence and sagacity flourish. This is the true Tao.”
― Ralph D. Sawyer, The Seven Military Classics Of Ancient China