Know the enemy and know yourself.

Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy

The General who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.