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

Know the enemy and know yourself.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.