In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

He who is not sage and wise, humane and just, cannot use secret agent.s. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them.

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.