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

Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is only on returning to camp.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

Kill one, terrify a thousand.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack.. the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.