Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.