If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.
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.
The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.
Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.
So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence.
Those who would wage war, should first eliminate all domestic enemies before proceeding to attack the external foe.