Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.

Order or disorder depends on organisation and direction; courage or cowardice on circumstances; strength or weakness on tactical dispositions.