So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.There are not more than five primary colors, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

Ground which can be freely traversed by both sides is called accessible.