Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strategic success comes from recognizing and exploiting weaknesses rather than confronting strengths.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of strategy in warfare, suggesting that rather than attacking the enemy's strong points, one should focus on their vulnerabilities. It also draws a parallel to water, which adapts to its environment, indicating that flexibility and adaptability are crucial for achieving victory in any conflict.
Themes
StrategyWarStrengthWeaknessVictoryAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a military strategy meeting to emphasize the importance of assessing the enemy's weaknesses.
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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