Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

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

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

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

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.