Unknown Quotes

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

You should always try to deceive your enemy.

Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy if possible.

It's often been observed that the first casualty of war is the truth. But that's a lie, too, in its way. The reality is that, for most wars to begin, the truth has to have been sacrificed a long time in advance.

If you have a vast organization, parade it before the enemy, openly show your power. If your organization is small, do what Gideon did: conceal the members in the dark but raise a clamor that will make the listener believe that your organization numbers many more that it does. If your organization is too tiny even for noise, stink up the place.

The first casualty when war comes is truth.

It is well known that in war, the first casualty is truth - that during any war truth is forsaken for propaganda.

We may employ artifice to deceive a rival, anything against our enemies.

I wish that the Indians believed me a god, for upon the report of an enemy's valor oftentimes depends the success of a battle, and false reports have many times done as great things as true courage and resolution.

The Chinese general Sun Tzu said that all war was based on deception. Oscar Wilde said the same thing of romance.

Machination is worth more than force.

International terrorists have proved quite skilled at misleading many people about what is actually happening here in the Caucasus, and they continue to mislead people today.

The best way to know and destroy an enemy is to pretend to become his friend.

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

A real diplomat is one who can cut his neighbor's throat without having his neighbor notice it.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.

Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and discovering other people's weaknesses.

If truth is the first victim of war, then read on - I've got some great lies for you this month.

To know how to dissimulate is the knowledge of kings.

Tactics are manipulative.

Ah, colonel, all’s fair in love and war, you know.

Wars are fought for political considerations. Military victory alone is never enough

Diplomacy is the art of saying “Nice Doggie!” till you can find a rock.