A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

A leader leads by example not by force.

If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.