No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

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.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

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