1. The best fighters of old best spot themselves beyond the hypothesis of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. 2. To guarantee ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. 3. Thus the best fighter is able to guarantee himself against defeat, but cannot have sure of defeating the enemy. 4. Hence the saying: One may know how to seize without being able to have it. 5. Security against defeat implies contrite tactics; ability to surmount the enemy means taking the violation. 6. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient ability; attacking, a superabundance of ability. 7. The general who is experienced in defense hides in the nearly secret recesses of the soil; he who is experienced in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the original, a victory that is extensive.