To overcome the intelligent by folly is contrary to the natural order of things to overcome the foolish by intelligence is in accord with the natural order. To overcome the intelligent by intelligence, however, is a matter of opportunity.

The wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

There is no greater weapon than a prepared mind.

Detach from emotions and desires get rid of any fixations.

Strength is but one aspect of power.

Opportunistic relationships can hardly be kept constant. The acquaintance of honorable people, even at a distance, does not add flowers in times of warmth and does not change its leaves in times of cold: it continues unfading through the four seasons, becomes increasingly stable as it passes through ease and danger.

What loss is there in dignity, what worry is there of failure?

First organize the inner, then organize the outer ... First organize the great, then organize the small. First organize yourself, and then organize others.

Those who are skilled in combat do notbecome angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

The loss of any army is always caused by underestimating the enemy. Therefore gather information and watch the enemy carefully.

Nothing is harder to see into thanpeoples nature. The sage looks at subtle phenomena and listens tosmall voices. This harmonizes the outside with the inside and the inside with the outside.

Battles are not won by strength alone!

Good generals select intelligent officers, thoughtful advisors, and brave subordinates. They oversee their troops like a fierce tiger with wings.

Do the unexpected, attack the unprepared.

An enlightened ruler doesnot worry about people not knowing him he worriesabout not knowing people.