“ What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease. ”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War (5th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Sun Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | The Art of War |
| Topic | cleverness ease winning |
| Date | 5th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Lionel Giles |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17405/17405-h/17405-h.htm |
Context
“Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says, "Well done!"
10. To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.
11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.
13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.” source
10. To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.
11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.
12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.
13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.” source
Meaning and analysis
