We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

Know the enemy and know yourself.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.