When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION.
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.
But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.
Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.
Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.
Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose.
Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.
Bravery without forethought, causes a man to fight blindly and desperately like a mad bull. Such an opponent, must not be encountered with brute force, but may be lured into an ambush and slain.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat
Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst. [One may know the condition of a whole army from the behavior of a single man.]
If there is disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak.
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact to shatter and destroy it is not so good.
You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.
Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.
The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail...
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far a...
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?