The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.

To maintain an army at a distance causes the people to be impoverished.

If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.

Hiding order beneath the cloak of disorder is simply a question of subdivision; concealing courage under a show of timidity presupposes a fund of latent energy; masking strength with weakness is to be effected by tactical dispositions.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

Being unconquerable lies with yourself; being conquerable lies with your enemy.