There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

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.

Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.