When you do battle, even if you are winning, if you continue for a long time it will dull your forces and blunt you edge...If you keep your armies out in the field for a long time, your supplies will be insufficient. Transportation of provisions itself consumes 20 times the amount transported.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner

And therefore only the enlightened sovereign and the worthy general who are able to use the most intelligent people as agents are certain to achieve great things.

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

In desperate position, you must fight.

Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war