War is a matter of vital importance to the state.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

Now an army is exposed to six several calamities, not arising from natural causes, 1 but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are: (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganisation; (6) rout.

To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.