PART II WEALTH
CHAPTER 47
DELIBERATION BEFORE ACTION
461. Take into thy consideration the output and the wastage and the profit that the undertaking will yield: and then put thy hand to it.
462. Behold the prince who decideth upon action only after consulting with men chosen for their worth: there is nothing that is impossible for him.
463. There are enterprises that tempt with a great profit but which perish even the capital itself: the wise undertake them not.
464. Behold the men who fear to be ridiculed by others: they start not on any enterprise without previous deliberation.
465. To make war without planning every detail of it beforehand is only to transplant thy enemy on carefully prepared soil.
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