The person who can freely acknowledge that life is full of difficulties can be free$$$ because they are acknowledging the nature of life - that it can't be much else.

If$$$ on the other hand$$$ in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage$$$ we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

In war$$$ practice dissimulation$$$ and you will succeed.

When an invading force crosses a river in its onward march$$$ do not advance to meet it in mid-stream. It will be best to let half the army get across$$$ and then deliver your attack.

On open ground$$$ do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways$$$ join hands with your allies.

To begin by bluster$$$ but afterwards to take fright at the enemy's numbers$$$ shows a supreme lack of intelligence.

Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak$$$ the result is INSUBORDINATION.

Whether in an advantageous position or a disadvantageous one$$$ the opposite state should be always present to your mind.

Hence that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.