Other conditions being equal, if one force is hurled against another ten times its size, the result will be the flight of the former.

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.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

When the enemy's envoy's speak in humble terms, but continues his preparations, he will advance. When their language is deceptive but the enemy pretentiously advances, he will retreat. When the envoys speak in apologetic terms, he wishes a respite. When without a previous understanding the enemy asks for a truce, he is plotting. When the enemy sees an advantage but does not advance to seize it, he is fatigued.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.