The nature of war is constant change.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.