"The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang Shan mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its…"

"If the enemy is in superior strength, evade him."

"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious."

"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster."

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