Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.

In the tumult and uproar, the battle seems chaotic, but there is no disorder, the troops appear to be milling about in circles but cannot be defeated.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

The business of a general is to kick away the ladder behind soldiers when they have climbed up a height.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.