Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.

He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.

Be the first to seize intersecting ground, that is ground which lies the intersections of borders or intersections of main thoroughfares of commerce and travel. Your occupation of it gives you access to all who border it and all who would covet it. On intersecting ground, if you establish alliances you are safe, if you lose alliances you are in peril.

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.