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

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.