Tao te Ching

69 In warfare, there is a saying of such strategy: I would rather take a defensive position than to make an initial offensive move. I would rather withdraw a foot than to march forward one inch. Such is called to advance without advancement; To defeat without arm force; To fight as if there were no enemy; To carry weapons as if there were no weapons and thus no need for the use of weapons. There is no greater disaster than to underestimate the enemy. To do so may cost one to lose his valuable life. Therefore, when two armies engage in a battle, The party that feels the sorrow of killing shall win.