There are only five notes in the musical scale, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be heard. There are only five basic colors, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be seen. There are only five basic flavors, but their variations are so many that they cannot all be tasted. There are only two kinds of charge in battle, the unorthodox surprise attack and the orthodox direct attack, but variations of the unorthodox and the orthodox are endless. The unorthodox and the orthodox give rise to each other, like a beginningless circle-who could exhaust them?

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

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.