“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”
“Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.”
“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 you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.”
“The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.”