The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

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

The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.

If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.