"The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."

"Be subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you may be the director of the enemy's fate."

"The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected."

"To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arro…"