“These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.”
“It is wrong to think that belief in freedom always leads to victory; we must always be prepared for it to lead to defeat. If we choose freedom, then we must be prepared to perish along with it.”
“One hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the most skillful, subduing the other's military without battle is the most skillful.”
“In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory.”
“do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat”
“first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured”