Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.
When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.
It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.
The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.