Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.

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

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

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

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

The Art of War is self-explanatory

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.