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

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

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity; They cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness; Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports; Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of warfare; If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy before the time is ripe, he must be put to death together with the man to whom the secret was told.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.