When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.

What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.