Ideal wisdom entails a cognitive understanding of those circumstances that bear on the local situation, an awareness of possible futures, the deliberate selection of one of these futures, and the capacity to manipulate the prevailing circumstances and to dispose of them in such a way as to realize the desired future.

War is a vital matter of state. It is the field on which life or death is determined and the road that leads to either survival or ruin, and must be examined with the greatest care, in other words “Any matter you have at hand is a vital matter of state. It is the field on which life or death is determined and the road that leads to either survival or ruin, and must be examined with the greatest care”.

Warfare is the art of deceit. Therefore, when able, seem to be unable; when ready, seem unready; when nearby, seem far away; and when far away, seem near. If the enemy seeks some advantage, entice him with it. If he is in disorder, attack him and take him. If he is formidable, prepare against him. If he is strong, evade him. If he is incensed, provoke him. If he is humble, encourage his arrogance. If he is rested, wear him down. If he is internally harmonious, sow divisiveness in his ranks. Attack where he is not prepared; go by way of places where it would never occur to him you would go. These are the military strategist’s calculations for victory, they cannot be settled in advance.

He who knows the enemy and himself will never in a hundred battles be at risk. The best military policy is to attack strategies; the next to attack alliances; the next to attack soldiers; and the worst to assault walled cities. Military wisdom is defined in terms of sober and methodical deliberation and planning. The victorious army only enters battle after having first won the victory, while the defeated army only seeks victory after having first entered the fray.

The expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him. Do not depend on the enemy not coming; depend rather on being ready for him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking; depend rather on hav-ing a position that cannot be attacked. In the business of war, there is no invariable strategic advantage which can be relied upon at all times.