“When one treats people with benevolence, justice, and righteoousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders'.”

“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.”

“The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach.”

“If his forces are united, separate them.”

“If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst. [One may know the condition of a whole army from the behavior of a single man.]”

“He will win whose army is animated by the spirit throughout all its ranks.”

“When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”