Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A great general excels in understanding both terrain and the enemy's capabilities.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes that while the physical landscape can aid a soldier in battle, it is the general's ability to assess and manage their adversary, predict outcomes, and navigate challenges that truly defines their greatness. The combination of strategic insight and environmental awareness is crucial for successful leadership in warfare.
Themes
StrategyLeadershipWarfareGeneralshipSun Tzu
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a military leadership seminar to highlight the importance of strategy.
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
Similar quotes
Heaven grew weary of the excessive pride and luxury of China... I am from the Barbaric North. I wear the same clothing and eat the same food as the cowherds and horse-herders. We make the same sacrifices and we share.. our riches. I look upon the nation as a new-born child and I care for my soldiers as though they were my brothers.
Genghis KhanRead
Leadership is happening, but it's not coming from the leaders of the old institutions. Everywhere you look, you see these extraordinary, sparkling new initiatives that are under way.
Don TapscottRead
Public officers are the servants and agents of the people, to execute the laws which the people have made.
Grover ClevelandRead
I know in the business world, some women won't speak if there are men in meetings for fear of being seen as too assertive.
Whitney Wolfe HerdRead
To be a successful coach you should be and look prepared. You must be a man of integrity. Never break your word. Don't have two sets of standards. Remember you don't handle players-you handle pets. You deal with players. Stand up for your players. Show them you care-on and off the court. Very important-it's not 'how' or 'what' you say but what they absorb.
Red AuerbachRead
Paralysis of leadership is due in part to the unseen grip of the special interests.
John W. GardnerRead