Strategic Preparation & Assessment
The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. Defence is in your control; offence depends on the enemy's mistakes. The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won.
Key Insight
Secure your position first. You control whether you can be beaten. You don't control when they'll make a mistake—just be ready when they do.
“To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”Explore full theme analysis
