“If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.”

The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

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

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.

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.

Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.