Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
The General who in advancing does not seek personal fame, and in withdrawing is not concerned with avoiding punishment, but whose only purpose is to protect the people and promote the best interests of his sovereign, is the precious jewel of the state.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true leader prioritizes the well-being of their people over personal glory or fear of consequences.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the ideal qualities of a leader, suggesting that true greatness lies in selflessness and a commitment to the common good. A great general, or leader, is one who does not seek fame or avoid punishment, but instead focuses entirely on the welfare of their people and the interests of their ruler, making them invaluable to the state.
Themes
LeadershipSelflessnessServiceProtectionState
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the qualities of effective leadership at a conference.
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
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
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