Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.
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.
You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.
Attack the enemy's strategy.
Weigh the situation, then move.
He who relies solely on warlike measures shall be exterminated; he who relies solely on peaceful measures shall perish.
A battle avoided cannot be lost.
Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.
Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow...they have form but are formless. They are skilled in both planning and adapting and need not fear the result of a thousand battles: for they win in advance, defeating those that have already lost.
If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.
Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.
If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.
A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.
Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength.
The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands
If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
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.
One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.
Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.
So the principles of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.
There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: recklessness, which leads to destruction; cowardice, which leads to capture; a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults; a delicacy of honour, which is sensitive to shame; over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.
When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.
The nature of war is constant change.
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
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