--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The great Chinese classics have always…" description: "\"The great Chinese classics have always said that it's better not to fight; that the clever man achieves his ends without violence; that a battle delaye..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8f/john-keegan-14504_battle_the-great-chinese-classics-have-always-s_1838338.png" --- # The great Chinese classics have always said that it's… ![“The great Chinese classics have always said that it's better not to fight; that the clever man achieves his ends without violence; that a battle delayed is better than a battle fought.” quote by John Keegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8f/john-keegan-14504_battle_the-great-chinese-classics-have-always-s_1838338.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8f/john-keegan-14504_battle_the-great-chinese-classics-have-always-s_1838338.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8f/john-keegan-14504_battle_the-great-chinese-classics-have-always-s_1838338.png) > “The great Chinese classics have always said that it's better not to fight; that the clever man achieves his ends without violence; that a battle delayed is better than a battle fought.” [John Keegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-keegan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Strategic wisdom: avoid conflict when possible; indirect methods achieve goals more safely. **In simple terms:** Winning without fighting is wiser. Key Takeaway Seek non‑violent solutions first. Themes strategy peace efficiency Mood thoughtful analytical Type strategic pragmatic When to use this quote - political negotiation - business competition - personal disputes Key Concepts conflict avoidance indirect tactics Questions to Reflect On - When might a delayed battle be more advantageous? - Can you achieve goals without direct confrontation? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/battle/) [Better Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-battle-2330244/) [Better Fight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-fight-380417/) [Chinese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chinese/) [Chinese Classics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chinese-classics-2330241/) [Classics Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/classics-said-2330243/) [Clever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clever/) [Clever man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clever-man/) [Delayed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delayed/) [Ends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ends/) [Fight Clever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight-clever-2330242/) [Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said/) [Violence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violence/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [The Riddler says you make the world better one battle at a time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-morris/the-riddler-says-you-make-the-world-better-one-battle-at-a-time/) [Janet Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-morris/) > [Forced to find inspiration when I never had to, so I go against myself its a better battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-budden/forced-to-find-inspiration-when-i-never-had-to-so-i-go-against-myself/) [Joe Budden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-budden/) > [Wouldn't a laugh serve us better than to battle it out with our mortal souls?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maureen-howard/wouldn-t-a-laugh-serve-us-better-than-to-battle-it-out-with-our/) [Maureen Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maureen-howard/) > [Better to fight for something than live for nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-s-patton/better-to-fight-for-something-than-live-for-nothing/) [George S. 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