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

Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.