The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

In desperate position, you must fight.

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.

Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.