The nearer the cutting off point lies to the main force of the enemy, the more immediate the effect; whereas the closer to the strategic base it takes place, the greater the effect.
B. H. LIDDELL HARTFor whoever habitually suppresses the truth in the interests of tact will produce a deformity from the womb of his thought.
More B. H. Liddell Hart Quotes
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The theory of the indirect approach operates on the line of least expectation.
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With growing experience, all skillful commanders sought to profit by the power of the defensive, even when on the offensive.
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Guerrilla war is a kind of war waged by the few but dependent on the support of many.
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The effect to be sought is the dislocation of the opponent’s mind and dispositions – such an effect is the true gauge of an indirect approach.
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For the spread and endurance of an idea the originator is dependent on the self-development of the receivers and transmitters.
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Direct pressure always tends to harden and consolidate the resistance of an opponent.
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For whoever habitually suppresses the truth in the interests of tact will produce a deformity from the womb of his thought.
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The downfall of civilized states tends to come not from the direct assaults of foes, but from internal decay combined with the consequences of exhaustion in war.
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Air Power is, above all, a psychological weapon – and only short-sighted soldiers, too battle-minded, underrate the importance of psychological factors in war.
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A complacent satisfaction with present knowledge is the chief bar to the pursuit of knowledge.
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If you wish for peace, understand war.
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For even the best of peace training is more theoretical than practical experience … indirect practical experience may be the more valuable because infinitely wider.
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It is thus more potent, as well as more economical, to disarm the enemy than to attempt his destruction by hard fighting … A strategist should think in terms of paralysing, not of killing.
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The urge to gain release from tension by action is a precipitating cause of war.
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If you find your opponent in a strong position costly to force, you should leave him a line of retreat as the quickest way of loosening his resistance. It should, equally, be a principle of policy, especially in war, to provide your opponent with a ladder by which he can climb down.
B. H. LIDDELL HART