When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.There are not more than five primary colors, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.