To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
The Art of War
The Art of War, Chapter 3: Attack by Stratagem
c. 5th century BC
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Cross Reference
2 sources
"Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."
Strange & Unusual"The greatest victory is that which requires no battle."
Strange & Unusual"The ultimate in warfare is to attack the enemy's plans."
Shocking"The general who understands the principles of the art of war is the minister of the people's fate and the guardian of the nation's security."
Strange & Unusual"If his forces are united, separate them."
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