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

When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

Every kingdom divided against itself is laid to waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy's provisions is equivalent to twenty of one's own, and likewise a single picul of his provender is equivalent to twenty from one's own store.

While we keep away from such places, we should get the enemy to approach them; while we face them, we should let the enemy have them on his rear.