We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporising ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.