It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.