“In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack, the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.”

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

To know your enemy, you must become your enemy.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

All warfare is based on deception.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.