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

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

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.