Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

Do not press an enemy at bay.

If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is death.