The Art Of War

It is through the information brought by the converted spy that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy.

Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men. Hence the use of spies, of whom there are five classes: (I) Local spies. (2) Inward spies. (3) Converted spies. (4) Doomed spies. (5) Surviving spies.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

When in desperate straits, soldiers lose the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge, they will stand firm. If they are in hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, they will fight hard.

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes and attack unguarded spots.

soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron discipline. This is a certain road to victory.

The sight of men whispering together in small knots or speaking in subdued tones points to disaffection amongst the rank and file.

The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him - not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unattackable.