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.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.

When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.