Original artwork, not a still
Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The contrast makes preparation more important than the order in which blows are exchanged. The successful strategist creates the conditions for winning before committing to battle; the unsuccessful one starts fighting and hopes to discover an advantage afterward. Victory is treated as something to arrange, not merely pursue.
Context reviewed
