The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.
The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.
All battles are won before they start.
So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence.
No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.