《老子·德经·第六十九章》
用兵的人曾经这样说， 我不敢主动进犯，而采取守势；不敢前进一步，而宁可后退一尺。 
用兵有言： 吾不敢为主，而为客；不敢进寸，而退尺。 
The military strategist once said, "I do not dare to take the initiative to attack, but take the defensive; I do not dare to take a step forward, but would rather retreat a foot."