Therefore the skilful 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.

Summary

This quote highlights the wisdom and effectiveness of a skilled leader who is able to achieve victory without resorting to direct conflict or prolonged warfare. The key lies in their ability to strategize and manipulate the situation in such a way that the enemy's defenses are undermined, their cities are taken without a siege, and their authority is overthrown without the need for lengthy military operations. It emphasizes the importance of tactical intelligence and the ability to outmaneuver the opponent to achieve triumph in the most efficient and peaceful way possible.

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