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

Kill one, terrify a thousand.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

In executing an Artful Strategy: When ten times greater, surround them; When five times greater, attack them; When two times greater, scatter them. If the opponent is ready to challenge: When fewer in number, be ready to evade them; When unequal to the match, be ready to avoid them. Even when the smaller opponents have a strong position, the larger opponent will capture them.