Sun Tzu – The Art of War 4.15

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a treatise on military strategy and tactics that has been revered for centuries for its timeless wisdom and practical advice. In Chapter 4, Sun Tzu discusses the importance of strategy and the role it plays in determining the outcome of a battle. He emphasizes the importance of securing victory before engaging in battle, and warns against rushing into combat without proper preparation.

In verse 15, Sun Tzu notes that the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won. This means that the strategist has taken all necessary steps to secure victory before engaging in combat. He has analyzed the terrain, assessed his own strengths and weaknesses, and evaluated those of the enemy. He has also prepared his troops and developed a sound strategy for engaging the enemy.

On the other hand, the strategist who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. This means that the strategist has not taken the necessary steps to secure victory before engaging in combat. He may have underestimated the enemy, failed to analyze the terrain, or made other critical errors in judgment. As a result, he is more likely to suffer defeat.

Sun Tzu’s teachings emphasize the importance of preparation, patience, and strategy. A skilled strategist does not rush into battle without proper preparation, but instead takes the time to analyze the situation and develop a sound strategy for securing victory. By doing so, he makes defeat impossible and maximizes his chances for success.

In modern times, Sun Tzu’s teachings have been applied to a wide range of fields beyond warfare, including business, sports, and politics. The lessons of strategy, preparation, and patience are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago, and can be applied to any situation in which success is desired. By taking the time to prepare and develop a sound strategy, anyone can increase their chances of success and achieve victory.