Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.