Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.
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.
The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.
Too frequent rewards indicate that the general is at the end of his resources; too frequent punishments that he is in acute distress.
Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.
If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.
To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.
Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy’s condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity.
One need not destroy one’s enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.
Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.
Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army’s ability to move.
The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.
The natural formation of the country is the soldier’s best ally.
Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.
Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.
Winning Strategists are certain of triumph before seeking a challenge. Losing Strategists are certain to challenge before seeking a triumph.
If a battle cannot be won, do not fight it.
Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.