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

Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.

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.

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

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.