Order or disorder depends on organisation and direction; courage or cowardice on circumstances; strength or weakness on tactical dispositions.

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

A warrior who is prepared to fight must also be prepared to die.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.