The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.

To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.

There is an intelligent way to eat a live frog - I just don't know what it is.

When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.