When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

The dance of battle is always played to the same impatient rhythm. What begins in a surge of violent motion is always reduced to the perfectly still.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.