The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.
Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.
To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.
All war is based on deception.
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.