He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.

The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.