To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills

Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Victory is the main object in war.

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 is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state.