The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fe >>
Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fi >>
Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know w >>
The object of oratory alone in not truth, but persuasion. >>
Why harass with eternal purposes a mind to weak to grasp them? >>
The secret is to always let the other man have your way. >>
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.