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

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.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.