 Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. |
| There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. |
| Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move. |
| Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack. |
| If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near. |
| For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards. |
| He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious. |
| Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate. |
