A clever general$$$ therefore$$$ avoids an army when its spirit is keen$$$ but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy$$$ will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Regard your soldiers as your children$$$ and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons$$$ and they will stand by you even unto death.

It is best to keep ones own state intact; to crush the enemy's state is only second best.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.

It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision$$$ to the releasing of a trigger.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy$$$ so that he cannot fathom our real intent.