The Art of War

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

All warfare is based on deception.
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

The secret of getting successful work out of your trained men lies in one nutshell—in the clearness of the instructions they receive.

Chapter 6. Weak Points and Strong

All warfare is based on deception.

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1)
Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2)
cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3)
a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4)
a delicacy of honour which is sensitive to shame;
(5)
over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.

supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.