In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.