The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.

When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this.

If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.

And regulation entails organizational effectiveness, a chain of command, and a structure for logistical support.