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.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.