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.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Too frequent rewards indicate that the general is at the end of his resources; too frequent punishments that he is in acute distress.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.

Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.