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If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

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The art of war is the art of deception.

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If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him....more

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All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.

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If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

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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 ...more

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Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.

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In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity

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For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left...more

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If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

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You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hol...more

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Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

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It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our a...more

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To begin by bluster, but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers, shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

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the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.