Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strategically exploit the enemy's weaknesses by attacking when they are least prepared.
This quote from Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding and exploiting the emotional and psychological state of opponents in conflict. A wise strategist observes when an enemy is at their strongest or weakest, choosing to engage them only when they are disorganized or complacent, thus showcasing the value of patience and emotional intelligence in warfare and leadership.
Themes
StrategyPsychologyWarfarePatienceCalmSelf-Possession
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership seminar, this quote can be used to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in decision-making.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes →Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
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To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
Sun TzuRead
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.
Sun TzuRead
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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