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

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

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

Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

A wise general makes a point of foraging of the enemy.