If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.