When you meet your antagonist, do everything in a mild and agreeable manner. Let your courage be as keen, but at the same time as polished, as your sword.
The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities…It is best to win without fighting.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.
Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without.
He who pursues fame at the risk of losing his self is not a scholar.
Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous.
Men must be decided on what they will not do, and then they are able to act with vigor in what they ought to do.