They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.