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

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

In warfare, first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.

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.

Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles. The supreme excellence is to subdue the armies of your enemies without having to fight them.