Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence. — Sun-tzu. Chinese general (544–496 BC)
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.
This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.