The wise warrior avoids the battle.
The Art of War
This is a popular modern interpretation, not a direct quote. It summarizes the idea of winning without fighting.
c. 5th century BC (approximate)
Found in 1 providers: grok
Cross Reference
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"If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him."
Strange & Unusual"Ponder and deliberate before you act."
Strange & Unusual"To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
Strange & Unusual"When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move."
Strange & Unusual"Put them in a place whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight."
Strange & Unusual