All war is based on deception.

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuver. What is difficult about maneuver is to make the devious route the most direct and to turn misfortune to advantage.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.

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