The Art of War says: Chen Yongbing zhi dao. Laozi was critical of the use of military force in his time, so he attributed this teaching to himself and established its meaning. I dare not take the initiative as an aggressor but rather act as a defender. Zhu, xian ye. Dare not to raise arms first. A defender is one who maintains harmony without initiating conflict. The use of military force should await the mandate of heaven before taking action. I dare not advance an inch but would rather retreat a foot. Invading another's territory and seizing their wealth is considered advancing; closing the gates to defend the city is considered retreating. This is called "marching without a formation. " If the enemy continues to advance, becoming a bandit of all under heaven, even if one goes forth to punish them, it does not constitute an organized military formation. To raise one's arms in anger without actually doing so, although one may be greatly enraged, it is as if there are no arms to raise. To cast weapons at an invisible enemy, although one may wish to throw them, it is as if there is no enemy to strike. To grasp nothing but empty hands. Although one may wish to seize and hold, it is as if there are none weapons or blades available for use. What does this mean? It is because the people are harmed and burdened with guilt by heaven, suffering under an unjust ruler, enduring the sorrow of loss and compassion. No misfortune is greater than underestimating the enemy. The harm of disaster and chaos is none greater than deceiving and belittling the enemy, ceaselessly invading and seizing, waging war recklessly for greed. Underestimating the enemy nearly causes me to lose my treasures. Ji, near also. Bao, shen ye. Deceiving and belittling the enemy is nearly tantamount to losing one's life. Therefore, when opposing armies confront each other, this refers to a battle between two equal forces. The side that grieves and suffers will prevail. The grieving side is compassionate and kind, so the soldiers are not far from death. ---