In a physical contest on the field of battle it is…
“In a physical contest on the field of battle it is allowable to use tactics and strategy, to retreat as well as advance, to have recourse to a ruse as well as open attack; but in matters of principle there can be no tactics, there is one straight forward course to follow and that course must be found and followed without swerving to the end.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Distinguishes between tactical flexibility in war and unwavering moral principles that must be followed without compromise.
In simple terms: War uses tactics; principles are fixed.
Key Takeaway
Uphold core values despite strategic pressures.
Themes
principles
ethics
war
strategy
integrity
Mood
determined
serious
Type
Battle
Contests
Courses
Ends
Fields
Found
Matter
Peace
Principles
Recourse
Retreat
Strategy
Tactics
Tactics and strategy
Use
War
Wells
Tactics Strategy
Battle Allowable
Principle Tactics
Physical Contest:Battle:0
Contests:0
Courses:0
Ends:0
Fields:0
Found:0
Matter:0
Peace:0
Principles:1
Recourse:0
Retreat:0
Strategy:0
Tactics:0
Tactics and strategy:0
Use:0
War:0
Wells:0
Tactics Strategy:0
Battle Allowable:0
Principle Tactics:0
Physical Contest:0
When to use this quote
- military leadership
- political negotiation
- activism
- civil resistance
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
political theory
conflict ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should principles yield to practical needs?
- How can one stay principled in complex conflicts?
A Different Perspective
Rigid principles may limit pragmatic solutions.