To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.

Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.

If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.

All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.