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.

Know the enemy and know yourself.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

For the wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.