A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

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

With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.

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

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

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.