We may take it then that an army without its baggage-train is lost; without provisions it is lost; without bases of supply it is lost.

Hence the skilful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.

Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought.

By means of water, an enemy may be intercepted, but not robbed of all his belongings.

Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

If our troops are no more in number than the enemy, that is amply sufficient; it only means that no direct attack can be made.

The enemy’s spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become converted spies and available for our service.

Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side, is contentious ground.

There are not more than five primary colours (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever be seen.