If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

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

There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

All war is deception.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become, as it were, like rolling logs or stones... The energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.