Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

When your weapons are dulled and ardour damped, your strength exhausted and treasure spent, neighboring rulers will take advantage of your distress to act. And even though you have wise counsellors, none will be able to lay good plans for the future. Thus, while we have heard of blundering swiftness in war, we have not yet seen a clever operation that was prolonged.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

If a battle can not be won do not fight it.

Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.