Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

In war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

Now the reason the enlightened prince and the wise general conquer the enemy whenever they move and their achievements surpass those of ordinary men is foreknowledge.

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

There are three avenues of opportunity: events, trends, and conditions. When opportunities occur through events but you are unable to respond, you are not smart. When opportunities become active through a trend and yet you cannot make plans, you are not wise. When opportunities emerge through conditions but you cannot act on them, you are not bold.

If they are in an awkward place together, they will surely exert their united strength to get out of it.