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.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.