To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.