The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

Ponder and deliberate before you make your move. He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of maneuvering.