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

The nature of war is constant change.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

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.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this.

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