The successful person has unusual skill at dealing with conflict and ensuring the best outcome for all.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

If I determine the enemy's disposition of forces while I have no perceptible form, I can concentrate my forces while the enemy is fragmented. The pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless: if it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it nor the wise make plans against it.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

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

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.