These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.

When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.

The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.