The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.
Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.
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.
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.
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.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.
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.
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.
Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.
In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.
Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.
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.
In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.
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.
The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.
When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
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.
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.
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