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

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

There is nothing more difficult than tactical maneuvering. The difficult consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.

Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.

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

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.