The effect to be sought is the dislocation of the opponent's mind and dispositions - such an effect is the true gauge… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The theory of the indirect approach operates on the line of least expectation. — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
This high proportion of history's decisive campaigns, the significance of which is enhanced by the comparative rarity of the direct approach, enforces… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
Air forces offered the possibility of striking a the enemy's economic and moral centres without having first to achieve 'the destruction of… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The most effective indirect approach is one that lures or startles the opponent into a false move - so that, as in… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
For even the best of peace training is more theoretical than practical experience ... indirect practical experience may be the more valuable… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
Direct experience is inherently too limited to form an adequate foundation either for theory or for application. At the best it produces… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The art of the indirect approach can only be mastered, and its full scope appreciated, by study of and reflection upon the… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
In strategy the longest way round is often the shortest way there- a direct approach to the object exhausts the attacker and… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
For if we merely take what obviously appears the line of least resistance, its obviousness will appeal to the opponent also; and… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
Opposition to the truth is inevitable, especially if it takes the form of a new idea, but the degree of resistance can… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The downfall of civilized states tends to come not from the direct assaults of foes, but from internal decay combined with the consequences of… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The implied threat of using nuclear weapons to curb guerrillas was as absurd as to talk of using a sledge hammer to ward off… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
In war the chief incalculable is the human will, which manifests itself in resistance, which in turn lies in the province of tactics. Strategy… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
In a campaign against more than one state or army, it is more fruitful to concentrate first against the weaker partner than to attempt… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
I used to think that the causes of war were predominantly economic. I came to think that they were more psychological. I am now… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
While the nominal strength of a country is represented by its numbers and resources, this muscular development is dependent on the state of its… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
If we clear the air of the fog of catchwords which surround the conduct of war, and grasp that in the human will lies… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The unexpected cannot guarantee success, but it guarantees the best chance of success. — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
Guerrilla war is a kind of war waged by the few but dependent on the support of many. — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
The art of the indirect approach can only be mastered, and its full scope appreciated, by study of and reflection upon the whole history… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
It is only to clear from history that states rarely keep faith with each other, save in so far (and so long) as their… — B. H. Liddell Hart Copy Share Image
