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.

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.

The successful person has unusual skill at dealing with conflict and ensuring the best outcome for all.

If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you now Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete.