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.

When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

Attack the enemy's strategy.

Victory is the main object in war.

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

Every battle is won before it is fought.