O divine art of subtlety and secrecy!

All war is based on deception.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.

If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground. All we need to do is to throw something odd and unaccountable in his way.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.