If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

Know thy self, know thy enemy.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.