In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.
Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.
Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness.
To know your enemy, you must become your enemy.
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
It is more important to outthink your enemy than to outfight him.
Optimal strategy requires adaptability in the face of changing circumstances.
The skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible.
The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
A leader leads by example, not by force.
The wise warrior avoids the battle.
To win without fighting is the greatest victory.
In war, victory is not always about strength.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him.
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.
He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.
Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons.
One mark of a great soldier is that he fights without anger.
The wise become the wise by listening; the foolish by talking.
Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy’s purpose.
In strategy, it is important to see distant things as if they were close.
The greatest generals are not those who fight the most battles.
Every battle is won before it is fought.
The soldier’s spirit is his strongest weapon.
Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.
All warfare is based on deception.
Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.
Victory belongs to the most persevering.
The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.
Mistakes are a part of learning; embrace them to grow stronger.
The wise know when to step back and regroup.
Victory comes from finding opportunity in problems.
Understanding the terrain is half the battle.
Cunning is as important as strength in the art of war.
Discipline is the foundation of mastery.
The art of war is of vital importance to the state.
Flexibility in strategy is key to overcoming obstacles.
Foolishness is to engage without knowing the stakes.
Sharpness of mind is a weapon sharper than steel.
Strength lies in unity; division leads to defeat.
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.