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

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

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.

Be where your enemy is not.

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

When the enemy's envoy's speak in humble terms, but continues his preparations, he will advance. When their language is deceptive but the enemy pretentiously advances, he will retreat. When the envoys speak in apologetic terms, he wishes a respite. When without a previous understanding the enemy asks for a truce, he is plotting. When the enemy sees an advantage but does not advance to seize it, he is fatigued.