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

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

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 are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.