In conflict it is better to be receptive
than aggressive, better to retreat a foot
than advance an inch.
This is called moving ahead without advancing,
capturing the enemy without attacking him.
There is no greater misfortune than
underestimating your opponent.
To underestimate your opponent is to
forsake your three treasures.
When your forces are engaged in conflict,
the one who fights with sorrow will triumph.
–Tao Te Ching, Translation by Brian Browne Walker