To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war

If I determine the enemy's disposition of forces while I have no perceptible form, I can concentrate my forces while the enemy is fragmented. The pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless: if it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it nor the wise make plans against it.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally