Be the hunter, not the hunted: Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down.
James MattisRead
No war is over until the enemy says it's over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acknowledges that the true end of conflict is determined by mutual agreement, not unilateral decisions.
This quote emphasizes the idea that the conclusion of a conflict or war is not solely determined by one side's perception or declaration. It highlights the importance of consensus and recognition of the other party's standpoint, indicating that until both sides agree on the cessation of hostilities, the conflict remains unresolved, regardless of what one side claims.
Themes
WarConflictPeaceAgreementEnemyResolution
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of diplomacy, one might use this quote to stress the need for mutual recognition.
More from James Mattis
All quotes βI would happily storm hell in the company of these troops ... how strongly they have demonstrated to the world that free men and women can fight like the dickens.
James MattisRead
For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in the past battles - who fought for life and never lost their nerve - carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.
James MattisRead
You cannot allow any of your people to avoid the brutal facts. If they start living in a dream world, it's going to be bad.
James MattisRead
We've backed off in good faith to try and give you a chance to straighten this problem out. But I am going to beg with you for a minute. I'm going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.
James MattisRead
Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.
James MattisRead
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