1.
Those who are skilled in combat do notbecome angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.
Zhuge Liang
Those competent in battle do not become enraged, those adept at conquering do not become frightened. Therefore the prudent seize victory before they engage, while the unenlightened clash with a view to triumph.
2.
First organize the inner, then organize the outer ... First organize the great, then organize the small. First organize yourself, and then organize others.
Zhuge Liang
'Sort out the principal matters first, then take care of the minor details ... Start with the significant aspects, then move on to the trivial. Sort yourself before tending to others.'
3.
There is no greater weapon than a prepared mind.
Zhuge Liang
No tool is more potent than a sharpened intellect.
4.
Opportunistic relationships can hardly be kept constant. The acquaintance of honorable people, even at a distance, does not add flowers in times of warmth and does not change its leaves in times of cold: it continues unfading through the four seasons, becomes increasingly stable as it passes through ease and danger.
Zhuge Liang
5.
The wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.
Zhuge Liang
The prudent prevail before engaging, while the uninformed struggle to succeed.
6.
To overcome the intelligent by folly is contrary to the natural order of things; to overcome the foolish by intelligence is in accord with the natural order. To overcome the intelligent by intelligence, however, is a matter of opportunity.
Zhuge Liang
7.
An enlightened ruler doesnot worry about people not knowing him; he worriesabout not knowing people.
Zhuge Liang
A sagacious leader does not fear obscurity; they dread unfamiliarity.
8.
Do the unexpected, attack the unprepared.
Zhuge Liang
Take the offensive against the unsuspecting.
9.
Detach from emotions and desires; get rid of any fixations.
Zhuge Liang
Unbind from feelings and wishes; divest yourself of any obsessions.
10.
Nothing is harder to see into thanpeoples nature. The sage looks at subtle phenomena and listens tosmall voices. This harmonizes the outside with the inside and the inside with the outside.
Zhuge Liang
'Nothing is more opaque than human nature. The wise one contemplates minute details and pays attention to faint whispers. This brings outer and inner worlds into alignment.'
11.
Good generals select intelligent officers, thoughtful advisors, and brave subordinates. They oversee their troops like a fierce tiger with wings.
Zhuge Liang
'Skilled generals select astute officers, sagacious counselors, and intrepid followers. They command their troops like a powerful eagle with feathers.'
12.
The loss of any army is always caused by underestimating the enemy. Therefore gather information and watch the enemy carefully.
Zhuge Liang
The defeat of any military force is always precipitated by miscalculating the adversary. Thus, garner intelligence and keep a vigilant eye on the opposition.
13.
What loss is there in dignity, what worry is there of failure?
Zhuge Liang
What is the detriment of honour, what apprehension is there of defeat?
14.
Strength is but one aspect of power.
Zhuge Liang
15.
Battles are not won by strength alone!
Zhuge Liang
