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

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

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

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.