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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History helps us understand the present and make informed decisions for the future.
B. H. Liddell Hart's quote emphasizes the importance of history as a tool for understanding the present and guiding future actions. By examining historical events and contexts, we can gain insights that help us navigate contemporary challenges and shape a better future, as if projecting the lessons of the past onto the future through the lens of the present.
Themes
HistoryFuturePresentLearningLessons
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on leadership, one could use this quote to illustrate the significance of historical context in decision-making.
More from B. H. Liddell Hart
All quotes βIn 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.
B. H. Liddell HartRead
The 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 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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