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

Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.

In a position of this sort, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

Of all those in the army close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.