The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.
Sun TzuThe general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat: - let such a one be dismissed!
Sun TzuOf old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.
Sun TzuThe best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.
Sun TzuThe proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.
Sun Tzu