No one ever drowned in sweat.
It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past.
Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.
My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.
Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.
The line between disorder and order lies in logistics...
Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy’s unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.
Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy’s terms.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
Plan for what is difficult when it is easy, do what is great when it is small.
Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends, hit him where he does not expect you.
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.
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.