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.

If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.

If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.

To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.

The nature of war is constant change.