It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

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

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.

These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

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

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.