Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, and also know that our men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable, we have still gone only halfway towards victory.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

Rapidity is the essence of war.