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Zuò Shān Guān Hǔ Dòu (坐山观虎斗)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 坐山观虎斗Pinyin: zuò shān guān hǔ dòuLiteral Meaning: Sit on the mountain and watch two tigers fight.Figurative Meaning: To stand by and watch others struggle, waiting until both sides are weakened or defeated before stepping in to seize benefits for oneself. Cultural Background This idiom reflects a classic strategic mindset in…
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Art of War – Chapter 2.5
Sun Tzu stresses that war prioritizes swift victory over prolonged fighting. A general who masters warfare holds people’s fates and determines the safety or peril of the entire nation.
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Art of War – Chapter 2.4
Wise generals should forage supplies from the enemy to cut huge transport costs. Motivate troops with rewards to fight bravely. Reuse captured chariots and treat prisoners well to grow stronger after defeating foes.
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Art of War – Chapter 2.3
Sun Tzu argues that one must recognize war’s harms to grasp its benefits. Wise generals source weapons at home and seize grain from enemies. Long-distance grain transport drains civilian and national resources severely in wartime.
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Art of War – Chapter 2.2
Sun Tzu argues prolonged warfare wears down troops, drains national resources and invites rival invasions. He insists swift victory is always preferable, for no long war can ever bring lasting benefits to a state.