Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.
—Sun-Tzu, The Art of War

If it is not possible to be victorious, what is left but to lose? Mankind has yet to see a war in which a draw did not demand a similar price as a defeat.
With these options laid before you, then, it is always better to be on the attack.
—Sun-Tzu Liao, in a speech to the Sian War College, 21 February 3062, Sian

Your aim must be to take All-under-Heaven intact. Thus your troops are not worn out and your gains will be complete. This is the art of offensive strategy.
-Sun-Tzu, The Art of War

When it appears impossible to gain the military advantages once so easily apparent, a ruler must ask two hard questions of himself or forever be ill at ease. What is the goal? Is it worth the price that will be paid?
For myself, I sleep well at nights, able to answer both.
—Sun-Tzu Liao, journal entry, 8 October 3062, Sian