Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
Sun TzuRead
Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War reveals both its destructive nature and the peace that follows, providing a deeper understanding of value.
This quote by Sun Tzu suggests that those who have not experienced the harsh realities and suffering of war are unable to fully grasp its potential advantages, such as the restoration of peace and lessons learned. It emphasizes the complex duality of war, highlighting that only through understanding its evils can one truly appreciate the benefits that emerge in its aftermath.
Themes
WarPeaceUnderstandingBenefitsEvils
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about democracy, one might reference this quote to highlight the struggles endured in the pursuit of freedom.
More from Sun Tzu
All quotes βTo 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
As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.
Sun TzuRead
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