The dance of battle is always played to the same impatient rhythm. What begins in a surge of violent motion is always reduced to the perfectly still.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.

First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.

When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.