Sun Tzu
The Quote in Other Words
The most advantageous strategy in the pragmatic field of warfare is to conquer the adversary’s territory in its entirety without causing any damage or destruction, as it is not as beneficial.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the importance of strategic thinking in warfare. Rather than simply destroying the enemy, the best approach is to take their country intact. This means that the conqueror can benefit from the resources and infrastructure of the conquered nation, rather than having to rebuild from scratch. Additionally, taking the enemy’s country intact can help to minimize the loss of life and destruction of property that often accompanies war. This quote suggests that a successful military campaign requires not only strength and force, but also careful planning and consideration of the long-term consequences of one’s actions. Ultimately, the goal of war should be to achieve a lasting peace, rather than simply defeating the enemy.