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

A warrior who is prepared to fight must also be prepared to die.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. Indirect tactics, efficiently applied, are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth, unending as the flow of rivers and streams; like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.