There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.
Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.
In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.
Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.
Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.