If your enemy is superior, evade him

In a position of this sort, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.