Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding both our strengths and weaknesses is crucial for success.
This quote by Sun Tzu highlights the importance of self-awareness in strategy and conflict. Knowing when to act is just as vital as knowing when the opportunity presents itself; we must first understand our own capabilities and limitations to ensure a well-rounded approach to victory.
Themes
StrategySelf-AwarenessVictoryConflictStrengthsWeaknesses
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting discussing project challenges, this quote emphasizes the need to evaluate both our resources and the competitive landscape before proceeding.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes →Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
Sun TzuRead
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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