The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
The Art of War
The Art of War, Chapter 4: Tactical Dispositions
c. 5th century BC
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"To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence."
Controversial"Rewards for good service are not to be a matter of routine, nor punishments for bad service a matter of course."
Controversial"Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business."
Strange & Unusual"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant."
Strange & Unusual"The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand."
Humorous