Sun Tzu – The Art of War 4.13

Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a famous military treatise that has been studied and applied in various fields beyond warfare, including business, sports, and politics. In chapter four of the text, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of positioning oneself for victory and seizing opportunities for success.

In verse 4.14, Sun Tzu writes, “Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.” This highlights the importance of preparation, positioning, and timing in achieving victory.

To put oneself into a position that makes defeat impossible requires careful planning and strategy. This includes assessing one’s own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the enemy, and positioning oneself in a way that minimizes vulnerabilities and maximizes advantages. It also involves creating multiple options and contingencies to adapt to changing circumstances.

The second part of the verse emphasizes the importance of timing. A skilled fighter does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. This requires vigilance and the ability to recognize opportunities for victory when they present themselves. It also means being decisive and taking action when the time is right.

Sun Tzu’s teachings remind us that success is not just about brute force or aggression, but rather a careful balance of strategy, positioning, and timing. By putting ourselves in a strong position and seizing opportunities when they arise, we can increase our chances of achieving victory and reaching our goals.