Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
The Art of War
The Art of War, Chapter 6: Weak Points and Strong
c. 5th century BC
Found in 1 providers: grok
Cross Reference
1 source
"When you surround an army, leave an outlet free."
Strange & Unusual"To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
Strange & Unusual"If you are to be strong, you must know how to be weak."
Shocking"The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected."
Controversial"Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected."
Humorous