It is often useful, if an enemy happens to see you, to…
“It is often useful, if an enemy happens to see you, to pretend that you have not seen him. Or it may sometimes be useful to pretend that you have other men with you. I did this once in the Boer War when, having crept up a donga to look at a Boer fort, I was seen by the enemy, and they came out to capture me.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Feigning ignorance or strength can protect you when spotted by an opponent; deception can be a tactical survival tool.
In simple terms: Pretending not to see or to have allies can save you.
Key Takeaway
Use strategic deception when necessary.
Themes
strategy
deception
survival
military tactics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- combat
- hiking
- self‑defense
- competitive sports
- business negotiations
Key Concepts
psychology of perception
conflict management
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When is deception justified?
- How can you maintain integrity while using tactics?
A Different Perspective
Deception may damage trust if discovered; ethical concerns arise.