Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack.. the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.