One need not destroy one's enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.

Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

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

There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. When near, make it appear that you are far away; when far away, that you are to lure him; feign disorder and strike him. When he concentrates, prepare against him; where he is strong, avoid him. Anger his general and confuse him. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.