Counting Quote by B. H. Liddell Hart
“In reality, it si more fruitful to wound than to kill. While the dead man lies still, counting only one man less, the wounded man is a progressive drain upon his side.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Strategy, 1938
The author suggests that wounding an enemy is more strategically valuable than killing, as the wounded become a continuous burden.
In simple terms: Wounded opponents cause ongoing problems, more than dead ones.
Key Takeaway
Weigh long‑term impacts of actions in conflict.
Themes
military strategy
resource management
psychology
Mood
strategic
analytical
Type
military
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war planning
- logistics
- psychological warfare
Key Concepts
wounding
enemy
strategic advantage
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it moral to prefer wounding?
- What are the long‑term costs?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns arise when valuing suffering over death.
