What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him
It is more important to outhink your enemy, than to outfight him
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.