The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

He who is not sage and wise, humane and just, cannot use secret agent.s. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them.

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

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

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