Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good strategists prepare carefully and choose their battles wisely to ensure success.
This quote from Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in achieving victory. It suggests that successful warriors, or leaders, choose their battles by understanding the terrain and circumstances in which they fight, ensuring they have the upper hand while also being aware of their opponent's weaknesses. This approach reflects a broader principle of wisdom and careful planning applicable in various aspects of life and decision-making.
Themes
StrategyVictoryWarfarePlanningWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming challenges in business.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes βGreat 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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