Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack – the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.
Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.
The skillful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.
The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not to be swayed by petty doubts.
The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.
When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
If the general is unable to control his impatience and sends his troops to the assault like swarming ants, with the result that one-third of his men are slain, while the town still remains untaken, he is a bad general.
Leadership is a matter of intelligence, trustworthiness, humaneness, courage, and discipline... Reliance on intelligence alone results in rebelliousness. Exercise of humaneness alone results in weakness. Fixation on trust results in folly. Dependence on t
Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.
The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anti
When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy.
Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.
Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.
One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.
When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home.
Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.
When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.
If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame.
The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.