An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become double agents and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the double agent that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

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