Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

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.