Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.

Too frequent rewards indicate that the general is at the end of his resources; too frequent punishments that he is in acute distress.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

When orders are consistently trustworthy and observed, the relationship of a commander with his troops is satisfactory.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. When he concentrates, prepare against him; where he is strong, avoid him. Anger his general and confuse him. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.