Secret operations are essential in war upon them the army relies to make its every move.
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.
All war is based on deception.
Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.
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.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.
All war is deception.
If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.
If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.
The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.
Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?
It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.
The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.
The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.