A victorious army wins its victories before seeking battle; an army destined to defeat fights in the hope of winning.

War is a matter of vital importance to the State; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

Those unable to understand the dangers inherent in employing troops are equally unable to understand the advantageous ways of doing so.

Where the army is, prices are high; when prices rise the wealth of the people is exhausted. When wealth is exhausted the peasantry will be afflicted with urgent exactions.

Without a full understanding of the harm caused by war, it is impossible to understand the most profitable way of conducting it

All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory is won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.