Use humility to make the enemy haughty. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. When they are unprepared, attack and make your move when they do not expect it.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise, for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.