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.
The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.
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.
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.
One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.
It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
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.
All war is deception.
When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.
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.
Thus, though I have heard of successful military operations that were clumsy but swift, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays.
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.
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.
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.
Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.
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.
For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
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.
All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.
Where the army is, prices are high; when prices rise the wealth of the people is exhausted.
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