"There is no such thing as a fair fight, all vulnerabilities are exploited "

When someone says there's no such thing as a fair fight, they're pointing out that in any real confrontation, people will take advantage of any weakness they can find. It's like telling you that in tricky situations, you can't expect everyone to play by the rules. They’ll do whatever it takes to come out on top, sometimes in ways you wouldn't have predicted.

Historically, this idea pops up all over the place. Think back to wartime strategies throughout history. Generals often used deception and surprise to gain the upper hand. They didn't announce their plans to the enemy or give them a fair chance. Instead, they looked for any weakness to exploit—whether it was a vulnerable flank or low morale. Why? Because winning was the ultimate goal, not fair play.

Imagine a real-life scenario: a seasoned business executive, let's call her Linda, is negotiating a critical deal. She's done her homework and knows that her competitor, Dave, is under financial pressure. Linda uses this to her advantage, skillfully pushing harder on terms that benefit her company, knowing Dave can't afford to walk away. She doesn't give him a fair shot because, in the cutthroat world of business, leveraging every piece of information is key to sealing the deal.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First off, don’t go into situations with your guard down. Be aware that people might use your weaknesses against you. Prepare for this. It’s not about being paranoid—just realistic. Strengthen your vulnerabilities. Whether it's in your career, personal life, or any competitive scenario, always be a step ahead by knowing where you might be exploited and shoring up those areas.

Think of a time when you might have been too trusting. Maybe at work, you shared a brilliant idea with a colleague, only to find out later they pitched it as their own and got the credit. Ouch, right? It happened to my friend Alex. He was new at his job and wanted to make friends, so he shared a project idea with a coworker, thinking it’d earn him goodwill. Instead, the coworker presented it to their boss without including him. Alex learned the hard way that not everyone plays fair, and you need to protect your ideas until you have a solid foundation or trust established.

So, what's the takeaway here? Be smart. Know that while it's great to trust and hope for fairness, the reality is that not everyone operates that way. Protect your weak spots, be prepared for people to use them, and turn the tables by knowing where others might be vulnerable too.

In a world that's often competitive and unpredictable, understanding this principle can be the difference between feeling constantly blindsided and navigating challenges with a bit more savvy. It's not about being cynical—it's about being prepared and playing smart. Whether it's in negotiations, personal relationships, or even just day-to-day interactions, remember: stay sharp, stay aware, and don’t expect everyone to play fair.