A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its…
““A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Strategic success depends on timing; strike when the opponent is weak and avoid them when they are strong.
In simple terms: Attack at weakness, avoid strength.
Assess opponent morale before acting.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business competition
- sports
- political campaigns
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What indicators reveal a weakening opponent?
- How do you avoid misreading morale?
Moods can be deceptive and change quickly.