A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return.

Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected .

When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders'.

Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible; and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.