Great fighters

Good fighters put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat. Securing yourself against defeat lies in your own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is presented by the enemy himself. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. The thing is to see the plant before it has germinated. One may know how to conquer,without being able to it. In such instances, you become wise in taking unremitting precautions.
A wise fighter is the one who not only wins but excels in winning with ease. You need to put yourself in a position that makes losing impossible. Make moves when you are favorably circumstanced, if you don't,then you are really afraid, if not a coward.
The Art of War