The Art of War

by Sun Tzu

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.

There are not more than five cardinal tastes (sour, acrid, salt, sweet, bitter), yet combinations of them yield more...

In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack—the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise...

For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.

The five elements (water, fire, wood, metal, earth) are not always equally predominant;

the four seasons make way for each other in turn.

There are short days and long; the moon has its periods of waning and waxing.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

27. A whole army may be robbed of its spirit;

a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.

Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning;

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy.

Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

Such is the art of warfare.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance.

Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.