If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.
It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack.
The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his.
Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.
When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.
The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.