do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

The captured soldiers should be kindly treated and kept.

If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Quickness is the essence of the war.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.

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

Those who excel in war first cultivate their own humanity and and maintain their laws and institutions. By these means they make their governments invincible.