Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Sun TzuRead
All wars are won or lost before they are ever fought.
Interpretation
Preparation and strategy determine the outcome of conflict before it even begins.
This quote by Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategic planning in achieving success in any endeavor, particularly in war. It suggests that victory or defeat is often decided long before the actual confrontation, indicating that understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the opponent, is crucial for winning.
In practice
In a leadership seminar, to illustrate the importance of strategic planning.
Who does not know the evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits.
Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
To capture an enemies army is better than to destroy it.
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.
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.
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.
It is the greatest manifestation of power to be calm.
A wise man watches his faults more closely than his virtues; fools reverse the order.
The man who has no money is poor, but one who has nothing but money is poorer. He only is rich who can enjoy without owning; he is poor who though he has millions is covetous.
I had much rather be adorned by beauty of character than by jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, character comes from within.
One of the lessons learned in the Middle East is to never try to anticipate the other side's moves.
Be open minded, but not so open minded that your brains fall out.
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