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

And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.