Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.

The General who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state.