Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that the ultimate goal in war is to achieve victory rather than engaging in extended conflicts.
Sun Tzu's quote suggests that in warfare, the primary objective should be to win decisively rather than to drag out conflicts unnecessarily. This reflects a strategic mindset where efficiency and clear goals take precedence over prolonged and potentially costly engagements. A quick and decisive victory is more advantageous than a drawn-out battle that may drain resources and morale.
Themes
WarVictoryStrategyEfficiencyDecisiveness
In practice
Example use cases
During a strategic presentation on military tactics, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of swift victory.
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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