So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.
An army marches on its stomach.
A Spartan woman, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him saying, “As a warrior of Sparta come back with your shield or on it.”
Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends, hit him where he does not expect you.
A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
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.
A war is not lost until you consider it lost.