The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

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

Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.

It is a doctrine of war not to assume the enemy will not come, but rather to rely on one's readiness to meet him; not to presume that he will not attack, but rather to make one's self invincible.

Kill one, terrify a thousand.