If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

In the tumult and uproar, the battle seems chaotic, but there is no disorder, the troops appear to be milling about in circles but cannot be defeated.

It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.