All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

To plan secretly, to move surreptitiously, to foil the enemy's intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last the day may be won without shedding a drop of blood.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.