The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.