He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.

The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.