The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.

If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

To plan secretly, to move surreptitiously, to foil the enemy's intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last the day may be won without shedding a drop of blood.