Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful... It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.