When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce. If the enemy's troops march up angrily and remain facing ours for a long time without either joining battle or removing demands, the situation is one that requires great vigilance and circumspection. To begin by bluster, but afterward to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.

All war is deception.

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

Quickness is the essence of the war.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.