Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

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

If this is long delayed, weapons are blunted and morale depressed.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

Ponder and deliberate before you make your move. He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of maneuvering.

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.