In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise: which of the two generals has the most ability? on which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? which army is stronger? on which side are the officers and men more highly trained? in which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

Attack the enemy's strategy.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

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.