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

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you now Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

Do not press an enemy at bay.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.