It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state.

When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.

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.

Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.