There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.

Invincibility is in oneself, and vulnerability is in the opponent. Invincibility is a matter of defense, vulnerability is a matter of attack. Therefore skillful warriors are able to be invincible, but they cannot cause opponents to be vulnerable. That is why it is said that victory is discerned and not manufactured.

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

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.