Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.

With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

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