The wise warrior avoids the battle.
The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.
If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
Know the enemy and know yourself.
The true objective of war is peace.
Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
He who knows his enemy and himself well will not be defeated easily.
To plan secretly, to move surreptitiously, to foil the enemy’s intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last the day may be won without shedding a drop of blood.
Therefore, the victories of good warriors are not noted for cleverness or bravery. Therefore, their victories in battle are not flukes. Their victories are not flukes because they position themselves where they will surely win, prevailing over those who oppose them.
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
In a position of this sort, even though the enemy should offer us an attractive bait, it will be advisable not to stir forth, but rather to retreat, thus enticing the enemy in his turn; then, when part of his army has come out, we may deliver our attack with advantage.
It is a doctrine of war not to assume the enemy will not come, but rather to rely on one’s readiness to meet him; not to presume that he will not attack, but rather to make one’s self invincible.
Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.
Know yourself and you will win all battles.
Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.
The line between disorder and order lies in logistics...