The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.