Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.