Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

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

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.