If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat."

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved."

There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.

"When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce."