Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

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

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Invincibility is in oneself, and vulnerability is in the opponent. Invincibility is a matter of defense, vulnerability is a matter of attack. Therefore skillful warriors are able to be invincible, but they cannot cause opponents to be vulnerable. That is why it is said that victory is discerned and not manufactured.