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An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water…

“An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness.” quote by Sun Tzu
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“An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness.”

Sun Tzu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An army should be fluid like water, avoiding strength and striking weakness.

In simple terms: Flexibility beats rigidity.

Key Takeaway

Adapt strategy to terrain.

Themes

strategy flexibility weakness

Mood

analytical strategic

Type

military business

When to use this quote

  • battle planning
  • business competition
  • sports tactics
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

military theory fluid dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you avoid strength?
  • How to identify weakness effectively?
A Different Perspective

Water metaphor may oversimplify complex tactics.

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