If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.

To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.