Final answer:
The statement highlights the significance of overcoming internal conflicts to maintain strength against external adversaries, in line with the teachings of Sun Tzu's The Art of War. It underscores the vital role of personal resilience in overcoming life's challenges, and the correct option emphasizing the primary message of the statement is B) Internal self-doubt is more harmful than external challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside can do you no harm" emphasizes the importance of personal resilience and internal fortitude when facing external challenges. It suggests that by overcoming internal conflicts, such as fear and self-doubt, one can remain strong against external adversaries. This concept relates closely to the ideas presented in Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which stresses the significance of knowing oneself and maintaining a ready and unassailable position in the face of the enemy.
In the context of personal development and success, having a strong internal belief system and resilience can protect an individual from external pressures and challenges. Research has shown that people with an internal locus of control, which asserts that one's actions significantly influence the outcomes they experience, are better equipped to cope with adversity and are less likely to suffer from depression.
Additionally, the idea that one needs ample strength to defend against an enemy while also being cautious about underestimating opponents is crucial for both military strategy and personal growth. Therefore, the statement speaks to the broader truth about the power of internal strength in overcoming external obstacles, leading us to the conclusion that the correct option is B) Internal self-doubt is more harmful than external challenges. This underscores the idea that personal resilience is vital in facing life's various battles, literal and metaphorical.