And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

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