There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare. Sun Tzu on war
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Sun Tzu on war
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. Sun Tzu on war
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy's country whole and intact to shatter and destroy it is not so good. Sun Tzu on war
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. Sun Tzu on war
Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy. Sun Tzu on war