There is no mistake; there has been no mistake; and there shall be no mistake.
Duke Of WellingtonRead
Next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.
Interpretation
Gaining victory often comes with significant costs and consequences that can outweigh the benefits.
This quote by the Duke of Wellington suggests that while victory in battle is generally seen as a positive outcome, it can lead to profound misery and loss, sometimes making the pain of defeat seem less severe. It highlights the complexity of success, where achieving a goal, especially in conflict, can bring unexpected hardships and sorrow, emphasizing that the repercussions of our victories can often overshadow the triumph.
In practice
A speaker at a military conference might use this quote to discuss the toll of warfare.
There is no mistake; there has been no mistake; and there shall be no mistake.
All the business of war, and indeed all the business of life, is to endeavour to find out what you don't know by what you do; that's what I called 'guess what was at the other side of the hill'.
The whole art of war consists in getting at what is on the other side of the hill.
Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.
Next to a lost battle, nothing is so sad as a battle that has been won.
Be discreet in all things, and so render it unnecessary to be mysterious about any.
The more difficult a problem becomes, the more interesting it is.
O soul, be patient: thou shalt find A little matter mend all this; Some strain of music to thy mind, Some praise for skill not spent amiss.
You will fear the darkness only to the extent that you yourself are not providing light.
Keep one thing in view forever- the truth; and if you do this, though it may seem to lead you away from the opinion of men, it will assuredly conduct you to the throne of God.
The best of ideas is hurt by uncritical acceptance and thrives on critical examination.
Only dumb people try to impress smart people. Smart people just do what they do.
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