Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

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

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.

The true objective of war is peace.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.