He who wishes to fight must first count the cost
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country.
Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.
Attack the enemy's strategy.
Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment - that which they cannot anticipate.