Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.

The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.