No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

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

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

The nature of war is constant change.

Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.