Victory is the main object in war.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

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

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

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.