The best attack strikes the plan.

What it means

Before attacking armies or walls, attack the strategy behind them. Disrupt an opponent's thinking and their strength has nowhere to go. Compete at the level of ideas first.

The source

"The best attack strikes the plan." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"故上兵伐謀，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem). 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 "The best attack strikes the plan." mean?

Before attacking armies or walls, attack the strategy behind them. Disrupt an opponent's thinking and their strength has nowhere to go. Compete at the level of ideas first.

Who said "The best attack strikes the plan."?

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem).

What is the original Chinese?

故上兵伐謀，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "The best attack strikes the plan." on a shirt?

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

"The best attack strikes the plan." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 3 (Attack by Stratagem), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-best-attack-strikes-the-plan