“What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.”

Move swift as the wind and closely-formed as the wood. Attack like the fire and be still as the mountain.

Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

All warfare is based on deception.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

He will win who knows when to fight and not to fight.