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Quickness is the essence of the war.
Sun Tzu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

In war, speed and decisiveness are fundamental to achieving victory.

This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the critical importance of quick decision-making and rapid action in the context of warfare. It suggests that in any competitive environment, including business or strategic endeavors, the ability to move swiftly can determine the outcome and effectiveness of one's efforts.

Themes

WarSpeedStrategyDecisivenessVictory

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a leadership seminar to highlight the importance of quick decision-making.

More from Sun Tzu

Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
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Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
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To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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