All wars are won or lost before they are ever fought.

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.

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.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

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