Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuver. What is difficult about maneuver is to make the devious route the most direct and to turn misfortune to advantage.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

The best general is the one who never fights.

When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.