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

Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Unless you know the mountains and the forests, the defiles and impasses, the lay of the marshes and swamps, you cannot maneuver with an armed force. Unless you use local guides, you cannot get the advantages of the land.

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.