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.

Winning Strategists are certain of triumph before seeking a challenge. Losing Strategists are certain to challenge before seeking a triumph.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.