Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding the harsh realities of war leads to better strategies in warfare.
This quote from Sun Tzu emphasizes that true knowledge of the destructive nature of war provides a comprehensive understanding necessary to navigate and conduct it effectively. It reflects the notion that recognizing and being aware of the consequences allows for more strategic decision-making rather than engaging in conflict haphazardly.
Themes
WarStrategyUnderstandingKnowledgeConflict
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about military leadership.
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
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