When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain
Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness.
Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.
Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.
Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.
When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.
Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards... 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. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.
Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.
He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.
In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.
When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.
When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.
All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.
What is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
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