If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.

To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.