To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.