Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.

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