Knowledge in war is very simple, being concerned with so few subjects, and only with their final results at that. But this does not make its application easy.

Men are always more inclined to pitch their estimate of the enemy's strength too high than too low, such is human nature.

Four elements make up the climate of war: danger, exertion, uncertainty and chance.

War is nothing but a continuation of politics with the admixture of other means.

Everything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.

Any complex activity, if it is to be carried on with any degree of virtuosity, calls for appropriate gifts of intellect and temperament. If they are outstanding and reveal themselves in exceptional achievements, their possessor is called a 'genius'.

Boldness will be at a disadvantage only in an encounter with deliberate caution, which may be considered bold in its own right, and is certainly just as powerful and effective; but such cases are rare.