Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never peril.

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

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

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

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.