Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness.

The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become double agents and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the double agent that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy.

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.