Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

If I wish to engage, then the enemy, for all his high ramparts and deep moat, cannot avoid engagement; I attack that which he is obliged to rescue.

The sovereign must have full knowledge of the activities of the five sorts of agents. This knowledge must come from the double agents, and therefore it is mandatory that they be treated with the utmost liberality.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.