When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.

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

Do not press an enemy at bay.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.