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.

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

Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.

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

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

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