The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles. The supreme excellence is to subdue the armies of your enemies without having to fight them.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

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

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

In warfare, first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.