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

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

In a position of this sort, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.