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

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

The sovereign must have full knowledge of the activities of the five sorts of agents. This knowledge must come from the double agents, and therefore it is mandatory that they be treated with the utmost liberality.