Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

In the tumult and uproar, the battle seems chaotic, but there is no disorder, the troops appear to be milling about in circles but cannot be defeated.

When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.