The Art of war written by the great Chinese General, Sun Tzu is considered to be a bible for Military strategy. Leaders like Napoleon and Mao Zedong have applied these teachings and won numerous wars. Even to this day, the Art of war is a recommended read for intelligence officers and is compulsory for CIA officers. In today's modern world, can the teachings of the great Sun Tzu still be applied on the battlefield ? Some famous quotes from the Art of war are : A leader leads by example not by force. Swift as the wind Quiet as the forest Conquer like the fire Steady as the mountain To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy. Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious. Speed is the essence of war. Take advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions. To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape. Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperilled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperilled in every single battle. There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. Thus those skilled in war subdue theenemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy In war, numbers alone confer noadvantage When the enemy is relaxed, make themtoil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move A skilled commander seeks victory from the situation and does not demand it of his subordinates. If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.
