One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

A leader leads by example not by force.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.