Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Adaptability and strategy are key to overcoming challenges.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of being adaptable in strategy and decision-making. Just as water flows according to the terrain, a successful army must adjust its tactics based on the circumstances presented by the enemy, highlighting the necessity of flexibility in achieving victory.
Themes
AdaptabilityStrategyVictoryEnemyFlexibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting discussing project management strategies.
More from Sun Tzu
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To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
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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.
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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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