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

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.

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

When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.