It is sufficient to estimate the enemy situation correctly and to concentrate your strength to capture him. There is no more to it than this. He who lacks foresight and underestimates his enemy will surely be captured by him.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

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

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.