If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

On the field of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough; hence the institution of gongs and drums... banners and flags. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point.

I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.