The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

Therefore I say: know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.