Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.