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

Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.

The control of large numbers is possible, and like unto that of small numbers, if we subdivide them.