If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

A leader leads by example not by force.

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

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.

Someone unfamiliar with the mountains and forests cannot advance [the team]. One who does not employ local guides cannot gain the advantage.