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

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

Hiding order beneath the cloak of disorder is simply a question of subdivision; concealing courage under a show of timidity presupposes a fund of latent energy; masking strength with weakness is to be effected by tactical dispositions.

With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.