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

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.