Courage Quote by James Mace
““Courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity; if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility. Don’t fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning. Erwin Rommel””
About This Quote
Source Historical analysis: Military Strategy, 20th century
Blind courage that ignores tactical realities is foolish; commanders must weigh costs versus gains before engaging.
In simple terms: Stupid bravery ignores practicality; fight only when beneficial.
Key Takeaway
Assess strategic value before acting.
Themes
military strategy
leadership
risk assessment
pragmatism
Mood
analytical
strategic
thoughtful
Type
military
leadership
When to use this quote
- battle planning
- business negotiations
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
command decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- When is risk worth taking?
- How do you balance courage and prudence?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on caution can lead to missed opportunities.
![“[Erwin Rommel] explained why in short words, what the two generals' message and then he explained his position and he gave some reason for his position. And then he said, "The ten minutes are over, and I have to leave now." Then my father said goodbye. He also told that us that in I think twenty…” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d3/manfred-rommel-39046_died_erwin-rommel-explained-why-in-short-word_63616.jpg)
![“My father [Erwin Rommel] believed that Germany should have a great interest to leave the war with a peace under conditions.” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d6/manfred-rommel-39046_conditions_my-father-erwin-rommel-believed-that-ger_2996005.jpg)
![“It was very strange, because my father [ Erwin Rommel] received the first call at seven o'clock in the morning. And [Hans] Speidel told my father, "I will call you up in one hour when I see more clearly what's going on." After an hour, Speidel said, "Yes, the landing took place in Normandy." And…” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a6/manfred-rommel-39046_british_it-was-very-strange-because-my-father-er_2538770.jpg)
![“My father [Erwin Rommel] believed that [Adolf] Hitler has a gift of touching the important points, the essential points.” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5bf/manfred-rommel-39046_essentials_my-father-erwin-rommel-believed-that-ado_795562.jpg)
![“I think my father [ Erwin Rommel] would have given the same answer. The British and Americans and the French were too strong, too strong and the strategy of this battle was too clever. And the war may be - it would have taken some weeks longer before the German front was penetrated. And by the…” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08d/manfred-rommel-39046_answers_i-think-my-father-erwin-rommel-would-hav_3187954.jpg)
![“It may be that [Erwin Rommel] believed it to be possible to convince [Adolf] Hitler to go away and to end the war, but Hitler never dreamed of doing something like that.” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c8/manfred-rommel-39046_convince_it-may-be-that-erwin-rommel-believed-it_77433.jpg)
![“So my father [Erwin Rommel] decided during the battle in Normandy, he knew really soon that it wasn't possible to win this battle. But my father decided pretty soon to, if necessary, to surrender on his own responsibility when the British or Americans penetrate the German positions.” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a9/manfred-rommel-39046_battle_so-my-father-erwin-rommel-decided-during_535121.jpg)
![“Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes." [ The Rectorial Address Delivered by James M. Barrie at St. Andrew's University May 3, 1922, to the Red Gowns of St. Andrews, Canada, 1922 ]” quote by J.M. Barrie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f4/j-m-barrie-4860_courage_courage-is-the-thing-all-goes-if-courage_2938771.jpg)
