*"For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
*"For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."
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*"The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy."
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*"Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus, he is master of his enemy's fate."
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*"And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him."
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*"Speed is the essence of war. Take advantage of the enemy's unpreparedness; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions."
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*"The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim."
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*"Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move."
*"What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations."
*"What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations."
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*""If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him."