The art of the indirect approach can only be mastered, and its full scope appreciated, by study of and reflection upon the whole history of war. But we can at least crystallize the lessons into two simple maxims- one negative,… — 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 hardens the resistance by compression, whereas an indirect approach loosens the defender's hold by upsetting his balance. — 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
