It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally