Generals and Rulers · East · The Art of War · Strategist · 6th–5th centuries BC
SunTzu
“War is the way of deception. The best victory is the one achieved without battle.”
You are at the camp gates. The fire burns, the maps are spread out — sit down, let us discuss the path.
A word from the strategist
I am Sun Wu, called Sun Tzu. I served as an advisor in the state of Wu and wrote a treatise on war in thirteen chapters. My path is not in battle, but in preparation: he who wins before the fight is the one who wins.
Here I speak to you directly, as to a commander: of advantage and harm, of knowing yourself and the enemy, of when to act and when to wait. Ask — I will answer briefly, as I would instruct my generals.