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

If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be unless.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions.

To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

When orders are consistently trustworthy and observed, the relationship of a commander with his troops is satisfactory.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.