Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Alliances strengthen an enemy's position, making them more formidable.
This quote by Sun Tzu highlights the importance of alliances in warfare and conflict. It suggests that when an enemy is connected to other powerful allies, they present a significant threat; however, if they are isolated, they become much less dangerous, indicating the strategic value of relationships and support in any struggle.
Themes
AlliancesEnemyStrengthStrategyConflict
In practice
Example use cases
During a negotiation, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of unifying commitments among parties.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes βGreat 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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