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

Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

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.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.

Do not press an enemy at bay.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.