"A victorious army wins its victories before seeking battle" emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, preparation, and intelligence in achieving success. It suggests that success is often determined by thoughtful groundwork rather than just the actual confrontation.
In the context of James Patterson's book "Kiss the Girls," this quote can be seen as a reminder that careful strategy and understanding of the opponent are crucial for success in complex situations. Being well-prepared can lead to victory even before engaging in the direct conflict.