The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi

3. When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great

Chapter 322 56 words
distance, it is facile ground. [Li Ch’uan and Ho Shih say "because of the facility for retreating," and the other commentators give similar explanations. Tu Mu remarks: "When your army has crossed the border, you should burn your boats and bridges, in order to make it clear to everybody that you have no hankering after home."]