In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

Meaning

With this quote, the focus is on life, emphasizing that life rarely follows a perfect plan while underlining that adaptability helps us grow.

Theme

As a foundational human concern, life appears in many sayings. It matters because life affects every decision we make, and this quote reminds us that every stage of life offers lessons.

About the Author

A number of familiar sayings are associated with Sun Tzu. This one stands out due to its focus on life.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
life rarely follows a perfect plan.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about life, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we focus on the present moment.