The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

It is sufficient to estimate the enemy situation correctly and to concentrate your strength to capture him. There is no more to it than this. He who lacks foresight and underestimates his enemy will surely be captured by him.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.