--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is madness to attempt to hold. In the…" description: "\"It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I r..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83a/gerd-von-rundstedt-55858_attempt_it-is-madness-to-attempt-to-hold-in-the_1616439.jpg" --- # It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the… ![“It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.” quote by Gerd von Rundstedt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83a/gerd-von-rundstedt-55858_attempt_it-is-madness-to-attempt-to-hold-in-the_1616439.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83a/gerd-von-rundstedt-55858_attempt_it-is-madness-to-attempt-to-hold-in-the_1616439.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/83a/gerd-von-rundstedt-55858_attempt_it-is-madness-to-attempt-to-hold-in-the_1616439.jpg) > “It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.” [Gerd von Rundstedt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerd-von-rundstedt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Attempting to hold a position when retreat is impossible leads to destruction; command should be flexible. **In simple terms:** Holding a losing position is disastrous. Key Takeaway Allow retreat to avoid loss. Themes military strategy leadership flexibility Mood tense urgent Type directive strategic When to use this quote - battlefield - enemy advance - logistics - morale Key Concepts command decisions risk management Questions to Reflect On - When should a leader change a plan? - How to balance resolve and adaptability? A Different Perspective Rigid orders can cause unnecessary casualties. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [First place](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first-place/) [Madness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/madness/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Second place](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/second-place/) [Troops](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/troops/) ## Related quotes > [Don't lose yourself in attempt to hold on to someone who doesn't care about losing you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-lose-yourself-in-attempt-to-hold-on-to-someone-who-doesn-t-care/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Oh, but I am quite resigned to taking second place in the shadow of my husband. 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