A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.