No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

The dance of battle is always played to the same impatient rhythm. What begins in a surge of violent motion is always reduced to the perfectly still.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.

When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.

A battle avoided cannot be lost.