The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

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

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

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