In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.

When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.

Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

If I determine the enemy's disposition of forces while I have no perceptible form, I can concentrate my forces while the enemy is fragmented. The pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless: if it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it nor the wise make plans against it.

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.