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About this quote

What does it mean?
Victory comes from inflicting loss on the enemy, not from self-sacrifice.
In plain terms
Win by making the enemy lose, not by dying yourself.
What can you take from it?
Win by forcing enemy loss.

Where it applies

  • military strategy
  • business competition
  • negotiation

Putting it to work

  • focus on opponent weakness
  • plan offensive moves
  • avoid attrition

Questions to consider

  • What defines winning in your field?
  • Is sacrifice ever necessary?

Another view

Self-sacrifice is sometimes necessary for defense or holding ground.

More from George S. Patton

  1. I'd rather have a German division in front of me, than a French one behind.

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  2. King George VI of the United Kingdom: 'How many men have you killed in war, General Patton?' Patton: 'Seven, sir.'. Eisenhower: 'How many did you say, General …

    Permalink to quote #66
  3. Give me an army of West Point graduates, I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war!

    Permalink to quote #63

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