When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

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

Don't flail against the world, use it. Flexibility is the operative principle in the art of war.

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.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.