---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Such an experiment without actual…"
description: "\"Such an experiment without actual conditions of war to support it is a foolish waste of time. . . . I once saw a man kill a lion with a 30-30 caliber r..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a4/theodore-roosevelt-218_air-power_such-an-experiment-without-actual-condit_2703170.jpg"
---

#  Such an experiment without actual conditions of war to…

![“Such an experiment without actual conditions of war to support it is a foolish waste of time. . . . I once saw a man kill a lion with a 30-30 caliber rifle under certain conditions, but that doesn't mean that a 30-30 rifle is a lion gun.” quote by Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a4/theodore-roosevelt-218_air-power_such-an-experiment-without-actual-condit_2703170.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a4/theodore-roosevelt-218_air-power_such-an-experiment-without-actual-condit_2703170.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a4/theodore-roosevelt-218_air-power_such-an-experiment-without-actual-condit_2703170.jpg)

> “Such an experiment without actual conditions of war to support it is a foolish waste of time. . . . I once saw a man kill a lion with a 30-30 caliber rifle under certain conditions, but that doesn't mean that a 30-30 rifle is a lion gun.”

[Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A test that doesn't replicate real combat conditions is pointless; success in one scenario doesn't guarantee general effectiveness.

**In simple terms:** Tests must match real conditions; one success doesn't prove all.

Key Takeaway

Ensure realistic testing.

Themes

military testing realism

Mood

critical analytical

Type

cautionary practical

When to use this quote

- weapon evaluation
- combat training
- policy making
- military procurement

Key Concepts

strategic planning risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we balance realistic testing with resource limits?
- When is a simplified test acceptable?

A Different Perspective

Realistic conditions may be costly or impractical.

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## More by Theodore Roosevelt

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