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

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is only on returning to camp.

The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!

When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.