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

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

The general must be the first in the toils and fatigues of the army. In the heat of summer he does not spread his parasol nor in the cold of winter don thick clothing. In dangerous places he must dismount and walk. He waits until the army's wells have been dug and only then drinks; until the army's food is cooked before he eats; until the army's fortifications have been completed, to shelter himself.

One need not destroy one's enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

If your enemy is superior, evade him