Thus, the most important thing in a military operation is the victory and not the persistence. The latter is not beneficial. An army is like fire: if it does not turn off, will be consumed by itself. If you throw a product into the market and it does nothing but give losses, after a time is best to abandon that battle waiting for a more favorable opportunity. 16. Those who manage powerless outside armies surrender without a fight are the best teachers of the art of war.

…An expert in martial arts teacher rolls back the plans of the enemies, damaged their relationships and alliances, short supplies or blocks their way, defeating by these tactics without having to fight. Use and practice of market intelligence. 17. Thus, the rule of the use of force is the following: If your forces are ten times higher than the adversary, surround him; If they are five times higher, to attack him; If they are two times higher, divide it.If your forces are equal in number, fight if you can. If your forces are lower, keep you continuously on guard, because the smallest bug you It would cause the worst consequences. Try to keep you sheltered and avoid possible confrontation with him; prudence and firmness of a small number of people can become tired and to dominate even to many armies. This advice applies in cases in which all factors are equivalent.If your forces are in order while theirs are immersed in the chaos, if you and your forces are with mood and they demoralized, then, although they are more numerous, you can enter into battle. 18. Thus, there are three ways in which a Prince leads the army to the disaster. When a Prince, ignoring the facts, sorts move their armies or retire when they should not do it (is not capable of measuring their chances of success).