Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
The best general is the one who never fights.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A great leader avoids conflict when possible and seeks to achieve victory without engaging in battles.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of strategy and wisdom in leadership. The best generals know that victory can be achieved not just through direct confrontation, but by skillfully maneuvering situations to avoid conflict altogether. This reflects a deeper understanding of power dynamics, illustrating that true strength lies in the ability to maintain peace and control without resorting to violence.
Themes
LeadershipStrategyConflictWisdomPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a meeting about conflict resolution, this quote can serve to emphasize the importance of diplomacy.
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
Similar quotes
I'm sad to report that in the past few years, ever since uncertainty became our insistent 21st century companion, leadership has taken a great leap backwards to the familiar territory of command and control.
Margaret J. WheatleyRead
For top executives to award themselves these kinds of compensation packages in the midst of this economic crisis isn't just bad taste, it's bad strategy, and I will not tolerate it as president.
Barack ObamaRead
What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.
Lee Kuan YewRead
Leaders must understand that some people will inevitably sell out to the evil side. Don't waste your time wondering why; spend your time discovering who.
Jim RohnRead
A man of abilities and character, of any sect whatever, may be admitted to any office of public trust under the United States.
Edmund RandolphRead
Management by results is confusing special causes with common causes.
W. Edwards DemingRead