“Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content.But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.”

“No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify hisown spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, staywhere you are.Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeededby content.But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come againinto being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.”

“But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.”

“One may know how to conquer without being able to do it. ”

“You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.”

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combinationthey produce more hues than can ever been seen.There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations ofthem yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.”

“Be stern in the council-chamber, [Show no weakness, and insist on your plans being ratified by the sovereign.] so that you may control the situation.”