“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”Sun Tzu · Arta războiului · -500 · capitolul 3
Knowing yourself and your opponent eliminates the fear of failure in any confrontation.
Sun Tzu formulates a principle of confidence based on knowledge. If you know your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of the enemy, you can anticipate moves and choose the right time and place for action. You have no reason to fear because you have correctly assessed the odds. For example, a commander who knows his army excels on rough terrain will bring the fight there.
Why it matters In any competition, from interviews to negotiations, thorough preparation and self-knowledge reduce anxiety and increase the chances of success.