Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

Kill one, terrify a thousand.