The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.

He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.

The successful person has unusual skill at dealing with conflict and ensuring the best outcome for all.

When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.