When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.

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

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

It is ten thousand times cheaper to pay the best spies lavishly than even a tiny army poorly.