The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never peril.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.