“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning before engaging in battle. Victorious warriors do not enter war blindly; they secure victory in advance through careful preparation, understanding the situation, and setting the conditions for success. They ensure they are in the strongest position possible, with a clear strategy, resources, and intelligence, before engaging the enemy. On the other hand, defeated warriors act impulsively, rushing into battle without fully understanding their circumstances or ensuring they are ready to win. They often make the mistake of seeking victory only after committing to conflict, which typically leads to disaster.
This principle is as relevant in business as it is in warfare. Companies that succeed do so by thoroughly planning and preparing before launching new products, entering new markets, or making significant strategic moves. For example, Tesla’s success in the electric car market was built on years of research and development, preparing the ground for the successful launch of their vehicles. They didn’t rush into the market without first ensuring they had the technology, infrastructure, and understanding of consumer needs to succeed. In contrast, businesses that rush into competition without proper market research or a clear strategy often find themselves overwhelmed by unforeseen challenges, like Kodak’s failure to transition to digital photography.
In military history, the concept of preparation has often been the deciding factor in battles. Napoleon Bonaparte was a master at planning his campaigns, often securing victory in advance through superior logistics, intelligence, and understanding of his opponents. His success at the Battle of Austerlitz was largely due to his ability to manipulate his enemy into a position where victory was virtually assured before the battle even began. Similarly, in modern warfare, the U.S. military often emphasizes strategic planning, intelligence, and logistical superiority, ensuring that troops are in the best position to win before engaging in combat. Acting without proper preparation—rushing into conflict prematurely—leads to miscalculations, and ultimately defeat.
