If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuver. What is difficult about maneuver is to make the devious route the most direct and to turn misfortune to advantage.

Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.

The best general is the one who never fights.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.