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

• 

  Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on your own readiness to receive him.

• 

  Many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all!

• 

  Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

• 

  The best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

• 

  All warfare is based on deception.

• 

  Advance where no one can stop you; retreat where you cannot be overtaken.

All quotes