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

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.