Quotes About Strategy

You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.

History will judge the war against Iraq not by the brilliance of its military execution, but by the effectiveness of the post-hostilities activities.

Ranjit Singh used money and clan rivalries to divide the tribes and, from time to time, the kingdom's organized force to subdue them.

The strategy of providing quality while refusing equality was vulnerable.

Battle-itch, hate, contempt and greed. The ingredients were waiting to be utilized, and a strategy presented itself to John Lawrence. Recall, with due care, the Sikh love of war. Stir and use the dislikes: Sikh resentment of Muslim rule, Muslim resentment of Sikh domination, Punjabi disdain of the Purbiah. Spread word of the chance to plunder Delhi under British protection.

The somewhat sinister maxim, divide et impera [had] been acted upon', adds Bosworth Smith, with 'triumphant results'.

Chand Kaur seems to have offered the British 'a large slice' of Punjab if they supported her against Sher Singh, who too was willing to cede a portion of the kingdom to the British if they backed him against Chand Kaur.

Maharani Jindan evidently approached the British with the suggestion that 'they may destroy the [kingdom's] army' and take the boy-king under their protection.

Tej Singh had scrupulously 'refrained from attacking [Ferozepur] and secretly informed the British of his goodwill'.

Gulab Singh had kept in close touch with the British. Unlike many of the others, the Dogra chief had also ensured that his personal coffers were full.

Timur again crossed the Indus in an attempt to join up with the emperor. But the Sikhs once more blocked his path

Rajput forces resisting them did not lack 'in numbers' or 'the martial spirit', but evidently they were 'inferior in terms of organization and leadership…and did not have a unified command'.

Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.

A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods.

You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended.You can ensure the safety of your defence if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.

These are: (1) the Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) the Commander; (5) method and discipline.

Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.

Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive.

For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

In respect of military method, we have, firstly, Measurement; secondly, Estimation of quantity; thirdly, Calculation; fourthly, Balancing of chances; fifthly, Victory.

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

Though the enemy be stronger in numbers, we may prevent him from fighting. Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.

Play the game, but don't believe in it – that much you owe yourself … Play the game, but raise the ante, my boy. Learn how it operates, learn how you operate.