The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.
The Art of War
The Art of War, Chapter 8: Variation in Tactics
c. 5th century BC
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"Confront them with the advantageous and they will take the bait; confront them with the harmful and they will not come."
Humorous"Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and what is to their advantage."
Humorous"Never venture to move, unless to gain a decided advantage; never do battle, unless the stake is important."
Strange & Unusual"If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him."
Controversial"Rewards for good service are not to be a matter of routine, nor punishments for bad service a matter of course."
Controversial