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

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.

In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise: which of the two generals has the most ability? on which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? which army is stronger? on which side are the officers and men more highly trained? in which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.

Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?