Know the enemy and know yourself.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death."

As water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

All warfare is based on deception.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as the night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

Attack the enemy's strategy.

Chinese military leader. The Art of War Those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.