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

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

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

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.

If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.