Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war

A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.

A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

War is a matter of vital importance to the state.

Quickness is the essence of the war.