Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's about being prepared and allowing your opponent to make a mistake first.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategy in conflict. It suggests that a wise strategist first secures their own strengths to be invulnerable, and only then should they provoke their opponent into revealing their weaknesses. Success in battle, or any competition, comes from a position of strength and patience, waiting for the right moment to take action.
Themes
StrategyPreparationVulnerabilityStrengthBattle
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, to illustrate the importance of strategy and preparation in business.
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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