As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.