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.

It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

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

Know thy self, know thy enemy.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.