Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The study of military strategy is crucial for the survival and prosperity of a state.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the strategies and tactics of warfare for the well-being of a state. It highlights that war is not just a physical conflict but a strategic endeavor that can determine the fate of nations, necessitating serious study and preparation to ensure safety and avoid destruction.
Themes
WarStrategyImportanceStateSafetyRuin
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about military history, this quote can illustrate the longstanding relevance of strategic studies.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes →Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
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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.
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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.
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