If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.
When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him move. Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Ground which can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy is called entangling.
An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness.
Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.
The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.
When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.
All war is deception.
Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.
Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.
It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
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.
To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.
One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.
So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.
In the tumult and uproar, the battle seems chaotic, but there is no disorder, the troops appear to be milling about in circles but cannot be defeated.
In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.
With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
War is a matter of vital importance to the state.
When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.
For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.
Victory is the main object in war.
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