Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.