All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

It does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and the moon, nor does it take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap. Wisdom is not obvious. You must see the subtle and notice the hidden to be victorious.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

War is a matter of vital importance to the State; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It is mandatory that it be thoroughly studied.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

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

All war is deception.