“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

“When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is COLLAPSE.”

“When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is INSUBORDINATION.”

“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”

“When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.”

“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.”

“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.”