For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.
To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.
Of all those in the army close to the commander none is more intimate than the secret agent; of all rewards none more liberal than those given to secret agents; of all matters none is more confidential than those relating to secret operations.
If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.