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

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

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

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.