Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.