"Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain."

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Philosophers from ChinaNon-fiction authors from ChinaMilitary leaders from ChinaCultural criticsTaoists
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Lionel Giles translation

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sun_Tzu

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Philosophers from ChinaNon-fiction authors from ChinaMilitary leaders from ChinaCultural criticsTaoists

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu (孫子 Sūn Zǐ; c. 6th century BC) was a general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Eastern Zhou period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of ', a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thinking. He is also known as Sun Wu (孫武; Sūn Wǔ), and Chang Qing (長卿; Cháng Qīng).

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