Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.