Surprise becomes effective when we suddenly face the enemy at one point with far more troops than he expected. This type of numerical superiority is quite distinct from numerical superiority in general: it is the most powerful medium in the art of war.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
Surprise loses impact when opponents prepare thoroughly or expect it.
If defense is the stronger form of war, yet has a negative object, it follows that it should be used only so long as weakness compels, and be abandoned as soon…
Four elements make up the climate of war: danger, exertion, uncertainty and chance.
All war presupposes human weakness and seeks to exploit it.
Whoever can surprise well must Conquer.
To surprise the enemy is to defeat him.
One cannot think that blind bravery gives victory over the enemy.