--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we wish to wrest an advantage from the…" description: "\"“If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some h..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/sun-tzu-283_business_if-we-wish-to-wrest-an-advantage-from-th_1005711.jpg" --- # If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must… ![“If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some harm to us, and let this enter as a factor into our calculations.” quote by Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/sun-tzu-283_business_if-we-wish-to-wrest-an-advantage-from-th_1005711.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/sun-tzu-283_business_if-we-wish-to-wrest-an-advantage-from-th_1005711.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a5f/sun-tzu-283_business_if-we-wish-to-wrest-an-advantage-from-th_1005711.jpg) > ““If we wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, we must not fix our minds on that alone, but allow for the possibility of the enemy also doing some harm to us, and let this enter as a factor into our calculations.”” [Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. Strategic thinking requires considering the enemy’s potential harm, not just focusing on one’s own advantage, to make balanced calculations. **In simple terms:** Plan by accounting for both your and the opponent’s moves. Key Takeaway Include enemy’s possible actions in strategy. Themes strategy risk management foresight Mood analytical strategic Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - business negotiations - military planning - conflict resolution - investment decisions Key Concepts military theory game theory decision analysis Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance caution with ambition? - What methods help you assess opponent threats? A Different Perspective Over‑emphasis on enemy may cause paralysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Strategy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strategy/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [If I wish to wrest an advantage from the enemy, I must not fix my mind on that alone, but allow for the possibility…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/du-mu/if-i-wish-to-wrest-an-advantage-from-the-enemy-i-must-not-fix-my-mind/) [Du Mu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/du-mu/) > [Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sun-tzu/rapidity-is-the-essence-of-war-take-advantage-of-the-enemy-s/) [Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sun-tzu/) > [“First and foremost, we are not to be afraid. 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