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

To plan secretly, to move surreptitiously, to foil the enemy's intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last the day may be won without shedding a drop of blood.

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

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, and also know that our men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable, we have still gone only halfway towards victory.

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.