Quickness is the essence of the war.

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.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

The true objective of war is peace.

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.