Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.