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

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

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.

If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Know the enemy and know yourself.