Mary Renault Quotes

There is nothing more difficult than tactical maneuvering. The difficult consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain. Thus, to take a long and circuitous route after enticing the enemy out of the way, and though starting after him to contrive to reach the goal before him, shows knowledge of the artifice of deviation.

Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy if possible.

There is required for the composition of a great commander not only massive common sense and reasoning power, not only imagination, but also an element of legerdemain, an original and sinister touch, which leaves the enemy puzzled as well as beaten.

Never completely encircle your enemy. Leave him some escape, for he will fight even more desperately if trapped.

In contests of strategy it is bad to be led about by the enemy. You must always be able to lead the enemy about.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

After all, if you make your enemy look like a fool, you lose the justification for engaging him.

Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy, if possible; and when you strike and overcome him, never let up in the pursuit...

Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to be dead, or to have been conquered by another part of the army. Many times this has given victory to him who used it.

Those skilled in attack move as from above the nine-fold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining complete victory.

It is an approved maxim in war, never to do what the enemy wishes you to do, for this reason alone, that he desires it.

Advantage is a better soldier than rashness.

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

If we consider my latest book, Strategie de la deception, what we need to focus on are the other aspects of the same phenomenon.

He had fought back with every weapon in his arsenal, being alternatively obtuse, evasive and pedantic, for it was wonderful how you could obscure an emotional issue by appearing to seek precision.

I have always paid attention to the merits of my enemies, and found it an advantage.

In war, mere appearances have had all the effect of realities; and that a person, under a firm persuasion that he can command resources, virtually has them; that very prospect inspiring him with hope and boldness in his exertions.

If we wish to fight, the enemy can be forced to an engagement even though he be sheltered behind a high rampart and a deep ditch. All we need do is attack some other place that he will be obliged to relieve.

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.

In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

The art of war is to gain time when your strength is inferior.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can occupy them first, let them be strongly garrisoned and await the advent of the enemy.

As almost anyone with war experience knows, you're never supposed to show the enemy what you won't do to win.