So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.
In desperate position, you must fight.
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.
To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
If you follow the enemy's shifts and changes, you can always find a way to win.
No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.
Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.
All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.
There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
The military has no constant form, just as water has no constant shape - adapt as you face the enemy, without letting them know beforehand what you are going to do.
What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.
When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.
He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
Every battle is won before it is fought.
In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.
Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
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.
Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.
Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.
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