Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.
Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
All war is based on deception.
If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.
To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills.
If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy’s position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy’s position weak.
Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.
O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy’s fate in our hands.
Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.
What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy.
These are the six ways of courting defeat – neglect to estimate the enemy’s strength; want of authority; defective training; unjustifiable anger; nonobservance of discipline; failure to use picked men...
Unless you know the mountains and the forests, the defiles and impasses, the lay of the marshes and swamps, you cannot maneuver with an armed force. Unless you use local guides, you cannot get the advantages of the land.
Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
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.
Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.
In warfare, first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.