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.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

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

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful... It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap.

Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.