In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

It is ten thousand times cheaper to pay the best spies lavishly than even a tiny army poorly.

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

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

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.