Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain
Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.
If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.
Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.
As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.
What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.