Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards... Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.