All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.

It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.

Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce. If the enemy's troops march up angrily and remain facing ours for a long time without either joining battle or removing demands, the situation is one that requires great vigilance and circumspection. To begin by bluster, but afterward to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.