“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
- 544 BC-496 BC
- Born in China
- Military strategist, military strategist
- Wrote “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, establishing it as a classic of strategy and tactics
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Quote
“The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and strategic positioning before engaging in battle. The principle suggests that the best fighters first ensure that they are secure and immune to defeat before taking action. This involves thoroughly assessing the situation, securing advantageous ground, and eliminating any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the enemy. Only after this solid defensive position is achieved should one wait for the right moment to strike, when the enemy is most vulnerable. This approach prioritizes patience and prudence over rash action, highlighting the importance of timing and careful strategy in achieving victory.
This principle is relevant not only in military warfare but also in business, politics, and sports. In business, companies often focus on building a strong foundation and securing their position in the market before launching new initiatives. For example, companies like Amazon and Apple first ensured their dominance in e-commerce and consumer electronics before making aggressive expansions into areas like cloud computing or streaming services. In sports, successful teams often focus on defensive strategies and ensuring they have a solid foundation before taking calculated risks to attack or exploit weaknesses in the opposition. In politics, leaders may secure alliances and ensure internal stability before taking action on larger foreign policy issues, waiting for the right moment when external circumstances favor them.
Historically, this strategy has been demonstrated by several renowned commanders. For example, General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II took time to ensure that the Allied forces were well-prepared and positioned for the D-Day invasion. The operation was meticulously planned, with the Allies first securing a strong logistical position and ensuring that the Germans would not be able to counterattack easily. Another example is Napoleon Bonaparte, who often built his forces and ensured they were in an unassailable position before launching his campaigns. The principle of first securing victory before engaging the enemy is a timeless strategy that has proven effective across various contexts. Whether in war, business, or personal endeavors, ensuring that you are invulnerable before taking action and waiting for the opportune moment to strike increases the chances of success and minimizes risk.
