When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

Victory is the main object in war.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

These are the six ways of courting defeat - neglect to estimate the enemy's strength; want of authority; defective training; unjustifiable anger; nonobservance of discipline; failure to use picked men.