A wise general makes a point of foraging of the enemy. A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life. If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near. Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. War is based on deception. He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious. The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise, for the result is waste of time and general stagnation. To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good. | 
