Unless you enter the tiger's lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger's cub's.

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

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Ground which can be freely traversed by both sides is called accessible.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.