Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.

Ground which can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy is called entangling.

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.

To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.