He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

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

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.