Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not…
“Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Avoid attacking a well-defended position; instead, target weakly defended points to conserve resources and increase chances of success.
In simple terms: Attack weak spots, not strong ones.
Key Takeaway
Choose battles where you have advantage.
Themes
strategy
military tactics
resource management
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
strategic
military
When to use this quote
- military campaigns
- business competition
- political negotiations
Key Concepts
asymmetric warfare
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you assess enemy weakness accurately?
- When is it better to confront a strong position directly?
A Different Perspective
The advice assumes clear intelligence on enemy strength, which may be unavailable.