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Meaning
The quote says that success begins with preparation and a clear plan, not with improvising in the middle of a conflict. It contrasts those who secure victory before acting with those who try to recover after the struggle has already begun.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
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Historical Context
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Source
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Attributed to Sun Tzu, but Wikiquote lists no source for it.
Did You Know?
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About Sun Tzu
Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher and writer, Eastern Zhou period
Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer from the Eastern Zhou period. He is traditionally credited with writing The Art of War, the classic Chinese treatise on military strategy. The work is associated with the Warring States period, although the earliest parts likely appeared at least a century after Sun Tzu. His name endures above all through this text, which has shaped how military strategy is discussed and studied.
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- “Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy.”Sun Tzu