If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

Those skilled in attack move as from above the nine-fold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining complete victory.

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.

All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. When he concentrates, prepare against him; where he is strong, avoid him. Anger his general and confuse him. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.