The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.