He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.

Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

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

Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

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.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.