Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
The Art of War is self-explanatory
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Art of War imparts wisdom that speaks for itself, highlighting the importance of strategy in conflict.
In saying that 'The Art of War is self-explanatory,' Sun Tzu emphasizes that the principles outlined in his work regarding strategy, tactics, and warfare are clear and can be understood inherently. This suggests that knowledge of the text provides insight without requiring extensive interpretation, as its teachings are universal and applicable not just in war, but in various aspects of life and conflict resolution.
Themes
ArtWarStrategyWisdomConflict
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting while discussing competitive strategies.
More from Sun Tzu
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To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
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The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.
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You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
Sun TzuRead
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Sun TzuRead
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