The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

Quickness is the essence of the war.

A leader leads by example not by force.

When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.

Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting.