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

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.