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.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

Unless you enter the tiger's lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger's cub's.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.