If this is long delayed, weapons are blunted and morale depressed.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

The true objective of war is peace.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

Unless you enter the tiger's lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger's cub's.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.