Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

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

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.