When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

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.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?

Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.