Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.