Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

It is a doctrine of war not to assume the enemy will not come, but rather to rely on one's readiness to meet him; not to presume that he will not attack, but rather to make one's self invincible.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.