Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive.

What it means

With no way out, people find strength they did not know they had. Sun Tzu used this deliberately with his troops. Burning the boats can be how you finally commit.

The source

"Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 11 (The Nine Situations). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"投之亡地然後存，陷之死地然後生。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 11 (The Nine Situations). 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 "Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive." mean?

With no way out, people find strength they did not know they had. Sun Tzu used this deliberately with his troops. Burning the boats can be how you finally commit.

Who said "Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive."?

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 11 (The Nine Situations).

What is the original Chinese?

投之亡地然後存，陷之死地然後生。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive." on a shirt?

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

"Plunge them into deadly ground and they survive." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 11 (The Nine Situations), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/plunge-them-into-deadly-ground-and-they-survive