The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.