The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.