Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.
If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.
The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.