Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.

Winning Strategists are certain of triumph before seeking a challenge. Losing Strategists are certain to challenge before seeking a triumph.

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.