There is nothing more difficult than tactical maneuvering. The difficult consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state.

Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared

Kill one, terrify a thousand.

To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.