The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

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