The most effective indirect approach is one that lures or startles the opponent into a false move - so that, as in ju-jitsu, his own effort is turned into the lever of his overthrow.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
In should be the duty of every soldier to reflect on the experiences of the past, in the endeavor to discover improvements, in his particular sphere of action, which are practicable in the immediate future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Soldiers should learn from past experiences to find ways to improve their actions in the future.
This quote emphasizes the importance of reflection and learning from history for soldiers and leaders alike. It suggests that by analyzing past experiences, one can identify practical improvements that can be implemented in their current roles, thus fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic foresight.
Themes
SoldierReflectionImprovementLeadershipExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a military training session, a commander may quote this to inspire soldiers to learn from their past missions.
More from B. H. Liddell Hart
All quotes βThe easiest and quickest path into the esteem of traditional military authorities is by the appeal to the eye, rather than to the mind. The `polish and pipeclay' school is not yet extinct, and it is easier for the mediocre intelligence to become an authority on buttons, than on tactics.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
The practical value of history is to throw the film of the past through the material projector of the present on to the screen of the future.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
The chief incalculable in war is the human will.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
Air Power is, above all, a psychological weapon - and only short-sighted soldiers, too battle-minded, underrate the importance of psychological factors in war.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
The hydrogen bomb is not the answer to the Western peoples' dream of full and final insurance of their security ... While it has increased their striking power it has sharpened their anxiety and deepened their sense of insecurity.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
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