To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.

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

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become, as it were, like rolling logs or stones... The energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height.