The keys of a fortress are always well worth the…
“The keys of a fortress are always well worth the retirement of the garrison when it is resolved to yield only on those conditions. On this principle it is always wiser to grant an honorable capitulation to a garrison which has made a vigorous resistance than to risk an assault.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A commander should offer surrender to a strong opponent rather than risk costly assault.
In simple terms: Offer surrender to strong foes to avoid costly attacks.
Key Takeaway
Choose honor over bloodshed.
Themes
strategy
honor
war
leadership
Mood
serious
pragmatic
Type
historical
military
When to use this quote
- battlefield decisions
- peace negotiations
- defensive planning
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
military ethics
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it wiser to concede than to fight?
- How does honor influence military decisions?
A Different Perspective
Surrender may embolden the enemy or be seen as weakness.