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

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

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.

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

All war is deception.

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.