Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready.

What it means

Hope is not a defense. Rely on your own readiness, not on the other side staying away. Prepare as if the hard day is coming, because it is.

The source

"Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 8 (Variation in Tactics). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"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。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 8 (Variation in Tactics). Text read at zh.wikisource.org.

Who said it

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Chinese general traditionally credited with The Art of War, a short book on strategy that values preparation, deception and winning without battle. It has been read by commanders, athletes and founders ever since.

Questions

What does "Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready." mean?

Hope is not a defense. Rely on your own readiness, not on the other side staying away. Prepare as if the hard day is coming, because it is.

Who said "Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready."?

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 8 (Variation in Tactics).

What is the original Chinese?

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。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Don't count on them not coming. Count on being ready." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 8 (Variation in Tactics), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/dont-count-on-them-not-coming-count-on