Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

A warrior who is prepared to fight must also be prepared to die.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.