What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
If you follow the enemy's shifts and changes, you can always find a way to win.
No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.
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 desperate position, you must fight.
The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.
There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
Every battle is won before it is fought.
The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.
What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.
When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.
One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.
Until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared
He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
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