To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful... It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap.

When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.

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.

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

If your enemy is superior, evade him

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.