Someone unfamiliar with the mountains and forests cannot advance [the team]. One who does not employ local guides cannot gain the advantage.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

If a battle can not be won do not fight it.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

The control of large numbers is possible, and like unto that of small numbers, if we subdivide them.

The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.