He who is not sage and wise, humane and just, cannot use secret agent.s. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

Invincibility is in oneself, and vulnerability is in the opponent. Invincibility is a matter of defense, vulnerability is a matter of attack. Therefore skillful warriors are able to be invincible, but they cannot cause opponents to be vulnerable. That is why it is said that victory is discerned and not manufactured.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Victory is the main object in war.