Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

Other conditions being equal, if one force is hurled against another ten times its size, the result will be the flight of the former.

If not in the interests of the state, do not act. If you cannot succeed, do not use troops. If you are not in danger, do not fight.

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner

To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.