So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

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

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

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack.. the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.

Someone unfamiliar with the mountains and forests cannot advance [the team]. One who does not employ local guides cannot gain the advantage.