Qi Jiguang

"Patience is the virtue of those who plan to win."

"The wise warrior builds walls not from stone, but from preparation."

"Weakness recognized is weakness beginning to be overcome."

"To master the art of defense is to master the art of life."

"The truest power lies in the ability to refrain from using it."

"A commander's first duty is to his men, his second to his mission."

"The battlefield reveals what the study reveals first."

"Adaptation is survival; rigidity is death."

"The foundation of victory is laid in the calm before the storm."

"A warrior without principle is merely a brigand."

"The sharpest weapon is the trained mind."

"Excellence is not an act but a habit formed through repetition."

"To inspire others, one must first master oneself."

"The soldier who understands why he fights fights with conviction."

"Deception in war is sometimes necessary; deception in peace is always shameful."

"The greatest generals are those who prevent wars, not win them."

"In every defeat lies the seed of future victory for those who learn."

"A command given clearly is half-way to being obeyed."

"The practice of virtue in war is what separates soldiers from murderers."

"Speed without accuracy is wasted effort; accuracy without speed is useless."

"The mind of a warrior should be like still water."

"To know the enemy's intentions is to hold the key to victory."

"The small improvement today compounds into great strength tomorrow."

"A formation is only as strong as its weakest link; therefore, strengthen all links."

"The pursuit of perfection is the path of the excellence-seeker."

"In hardship, the true character of a soldier emerges."

"The general who wins without fighting has already won in the hearts of his men."

"Restraint in victory is the mark of a true commander."

"The enemy advances when we hesitate; we advance when the enemy doubts."

"A well-trained soldier fears neither death nor suffering, only failure to duty."