Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Planning and strategy are crucial to achieving success in challenging situations.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and strategic thinking before undertaking any significant endeavor, especially in the context of leadership and conflict. The contrast between the victorious general's detailed calculations and the losing general's lack of preparation serves as a reminder that success often hinges on careful planning and foresight rather than merely reacting to circumstances as they arise.
Themes
StrategyPreparationLeadershipSuccessPlanning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of preparation in business meetings.
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
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
Similar quotes
I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.
Genghis KhanRead
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
ConfuciusRead
He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
Thomas A KempisRead
IF YOUR OPPONENT strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.
Morihei UeshibaRead
Blessings don’t come from outside, but from within. Whatever blessings we receive are the result of our own efforts and positive actions.
Dalai LamaRead
Suffering is a gift; in its hidden mercy
RumiRead