Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

It is through the dispositions of an army that its condition may be discovered. Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory,; show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.