Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it. 253

Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive. 254

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

The general who is skilled in defence hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; 255 he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. 256 Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the other, a victory that is complete. 257