Sun Tzu Soldier Quotations

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height.

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.