On the field of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough; hence the institution of gongs and drums... banners and flags. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

The dance of battle is always played to the same impatient rhythm. What begins in a surge of violent motion is always reduced to the perfectly still.

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

If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.