When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

The successful person has unusual skill at dealing with conflict and ensuring the best outcome for all.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

the leader of armies is the arbiter of the people's fate, the man on whom it depends whether the nation shall be in peace or in peril.

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.

To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.