Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strategic planning is essential for success in conflict.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategy over merely starting a conflict in hopes of winning. It suggests that true victory comes from careful planning and execution, rather than rushing into battle without a clear understanding of the situation.
Themes
StrategyVictoryBattlePlanningWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting about a new project, you might say this quote to emphasize the importance of thorough planning.
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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