Sun Tzu – The Art of War 5.14

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a classic text on military strategy, offering timeless wisdom and insights that can be applied to many areas of life. One of the key principles of this text is the importance of being a good fighter. In chapter 5, verse 14, Sun Tzu explains that a good fighter must be terrible in his onset and prompt in his decision.

What does it mean to be terrible in your onset? It means that you must be fierce and aggressive in your attack. You should strike your enemy with such force and ferocity that they are unable to recover. This can be achieved through careful planning and preparation, as well as the use of surprise and deception.

At the same time, a good fighter must be prompt in his decision-making. You must be able to quickly assess the situation and make a decision based on the available information. This requires a clear and focused mind, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Together, these qualities can make you an effective and formidable fighter. By being terrible in your onset and prompt in your decision-making, you can quickly gain the upper hand in any battle or conflict. However, it’s important to remember that these qualities must be tempered with wisdom and strategy. Blind aggression and rash decisions can be just as dangerous as hesitation and indecision.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s advice on being a good fighter is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago. By being terrible in your onset and prompt in your decision-making, you can become a formidable opponent in any conflict. However, it’s important to remember that these qualities must be balanced with wisdom and strategy, in order to achieve long-term success.