Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.

Other conditions being equal, if one force is hurled against another ten times its size, the result will be the flight of the former.

The General who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state.

Perfection in war lies in so sapping your opponents will that he surrenders without fighting.

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.

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