Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

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.

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

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

Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.