In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack.. the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.

What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.