"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 quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim."

"It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intellect of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results."

"Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain."

"When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard."