The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

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

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.