There is an intelligent way to eat a live frog - I just don't know what it is.

From a position of this sort, if the enemy is unprepared, you may sally forth and defeat him. But if the enemy is prepared for your coming, and you fail to defeat him, then, return being impossible, disaster will ensue.

Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.