Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

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

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

A battle avoided cannot be lost.

Be where your enemy is not.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.