These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.