The good fighters of old ...

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

Quotes from the same author

You have to believe in yourself.
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
“Let your plans be dark and as impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”