Art of War Chapter – 8.3

In warfare, do not rely on the enemy’s failure to come; rely instead on your own preparedness.
Do not count on the enemy’s refusal to attack; make yourself impregnable so that they dare not strike.

Note

This passage from The Art of War emphasizes proactive defense. Never hope the enemy will stay away or refrain from attacking; instead, fully prepare your troops and fortify positions to make your camp unassailable against any incoming assaults.

Sun Tzu (Sun Wu)

A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.

No fluke mind

Abandon wishful thinking about the enemy.

Full preparedness

The core of active defense.

Impregnable defense

Build strong strength to resist all attacks.

故用兵之法，無恃其不來，恃吾有以待之；無恃其不攻，恃吾有所不可攻也。