"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."

Success

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Insight & Reflection

The theme of success is universal, yet Sun Tzu manages to capture its essence in a uniquely profound way. Taking a moment to internalize this can shift our mindset, reminding us that our perspective on success often shapes our reality.

About Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a Classical Chinese text on military strategy from the Warring States period, though the earliest parts of the work probably date to at least a century after him.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Sun Tzu

"If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory."

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"A quiet mind is capable of understanding that the truest form of bravery is vulnerability."

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More about Success

"It is a steadfast truth that the seeds of triumph are sown in the quiet mornings when no one is watching — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"I think the success of democracy is not really police security it's the presence of a broad middle class. The stronger the middle class of a people is, the less you have to worry about one group coming in and exploiting the democratic process for its own ends."

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"It is a timeless truth that the seeds of triumph are sown in the quiet mornings when no one is watching."

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