Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

One need not destroy one's enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.