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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bierce defines defenseless simply as unable to attack, implying weakness is defined by lack of aggression.
In plain terms
Defenseless means you cannot attack anyone, not just that you cannot defend yourself.
What can you take from it?
Security often relies on the ability to strike back rather than just defend.

Where it applies

  • military strategy
  • personal safety
  • political theory

Putting it to work

  • assess true security
  • balance offense and defense

Questions to consider

  • Is defense without offense possible?
  • How is safety maintained?

Another view

This definition ignores non-violent forms of defense.

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