We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.

Winning Strategists are certain of triumph before seeking a challenge. Losing Strategists are certain to challenge before seeking a triumph.

Ground which can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy is called entangling.

The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.

All war is deception.

Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.