Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

Birds rising in flight is a sign that the enemy is lying in ambush; when the wild animals are startled and flee he is trying to take you unaware.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.