The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.
It is sufficient to estimate the enemy situation correctly and to concentrate your strength to capture him. There is no more to it than this. He who lacks foresight and underestimates his enemy will surely be captured by him.
The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.
Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.
Weigh the situation, then move.
Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.