So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.

Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise: which of the two generals has the most ability? on which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? which army is stronger? on which side are the officers and men more highly trained? in which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.