One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

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

There is no place where espionage is not possible.

When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.