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First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.
Sun Tzu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

One must first build strength and resilience before seizing opportunities against adversaries.

This quote from Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-improvement as foundational steps before engaging in conflict. It suggests that having a solid defense and strategy will position you to effectively identify and take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses when they arise.

Themes

StrategyStrengthVulnerabilityEnemyResilience

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership workshop to discuss strategic planning and competitive advantage.

More from Sun Tzu

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
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Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
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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.
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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.
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