To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.