Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.