You seem to be using destroy and open warfare synonymously. The Art of War is about one of these, not the other: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/destroy http:

You seem to be using destroy and open warfare synonymously. The Art of War is about one of these, not the other: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/destroy http://www.thefreedictionary.com/destroy de·stroy (d-stroi) v. de·stroyed, de·stroy·ing, de·stroys v.tr. 1. To ruin completely; spoil: The ancient manuscripts were destroyed by fire. 2. To tear down or break up; demolish. See Synonyms at ruin. 3. To do away with; put an end to: "In crowded populations, poverty destroys the possibility of cleanliness" (George Bernard Shaw). 4. To kill: destroy a rabid dog. 5. To subdue or defeat completely; crush: The rebel forces were destroyed in battle. See 5.