When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

Too frequent rewards indicate that the general is at the end of his resources; too frequent punishments that he is in acute distress.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.