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

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

Should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become, as it were, like rolling logs or stones... The energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.