O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.

It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is only on returning to camp.

The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.