The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. If the banners and flags are shifted about, sedition is afoot. If the officers are angry, it means that the men are weary.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or not he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.