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Next to a lost battle, nothing is so sad as a battle that has been won.
Duke Of Wellington
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The sorrow of victory can be greater than the sorrow of defeat, highlighting the cost of conflict.

This quote by the Duke of Wellington reflects on the profound sadness that can accompany a victory in battle, suggesting that the repercussions of winning can be deeply troubling. It implies that a battle fought can lead to loss, destruction, and enduring grief, casting a shadow over the triumph itself and leading one to ponder the true value of victory amidst such sorrow.

Themes

BattleVictorySadnessLossConflict

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about the horrors of war, one might use this quote to illustrate the hidden costs of victory.

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A little wisdom, now and then

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