Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

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

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.