Final answer:
The quote implies that deception has historically been a strategy for the less powerful to protect themselves against the more powerful. It emphasizes the use of cunning as a survival mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "Deception is perhaps the oldest of all the techniques by which the weak have protected themselves against the strong. Through the ages, at all stages of sentient activity, the weak have survived by fooling the strong" suggests that historically, those who are at a disadvantage have used cunning and deceit as a means of self-protection and survival against those who are more powerful. This concept is reflected in numerous strategies and philosophies, including those outlined in ancient military texts, and also aligns with observations of human and animal behavior. Deception has frequently served as a leveling tool to balance the scales when facing a dominant adversary.
Whether one agrees with this quote can depend on their perspective on ethics and effectiveness.