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

He who is not sage and wise, humane and just, cannot use secret agent.s. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them.

So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

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

If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.