At the beginning of a campaign it is important to consider…
““At the beginning of a campaign it is important to consider whether or not to move forward; but when one has taken the offensive it is necessary to maintain it to the last extremity. However skilfully effected a retreat may be, it always lessens the morale of an army, since in losing the chances of success, they are remitted to the enemy. A retreat, moreover, costs much more in men and materials than the bloodiest engagements, with this difference, also, that in a battle the enemy loses practically as much as you do; while in a retreat you lose and he does not.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advancing in war requires sustained offense; retreat harms morale and costs more than fighting.
In simple terms: Retreat weakens troops and wastes resources.
Key Takeaway
Maintain offensive momentum.
Themes
war
strategy
morale
Mood
determined
serious
Type
strategic
military
When to use this quote
- campaign planning
- battlefield leadership
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
logistics
psychology
cost-benefit
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a strategic withdrawal justified?
- How can leaders mitigate morale loss after a setback?
A Different Perspective
Retreat may be necessary to preserve forces in hopeless situations.