The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner

It is more important to outhink your enemy, than to outfight him

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.

Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.