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.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

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

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

Weigh the situation, then move.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

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.