proverb · Words worth keeping
Avoiding conflict is also a victory.
Avoiding conflict is also a victory.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Avoiding conflict called a victory gives restraint a successful outcome. The saying challenges the idea that winning requires defeating an opponent.
What the words are saying
Also leaves other responses possible rather than declaring avoidance always best. A useful application considers whether disengagement protects a purpose or merely leaves harm unaddressed. Boundaries, fair objection and accountability can remain necessary, and peace need not require silence or agreement.
Everyday example
Someone chooses a constructive resolution instead of an unnecessary contest while still addressing the real concern.
When to use it
Use it to discuss nonescalation with legitimate action retained.
What it does not mean
No universal duty to avoid disagreement or ignore harmful conduct is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
China
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 275; PDF page 31; collection label: China
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- China
