War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- War evolves from hoping to win to realizing everyone suffers and ultimately loses.
- In plain terms
- War starts with hopes of winning but ends with everyone losing.
- What can you take from it?
- War inevitably leads to universal loss despite initial hopes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is any war ever truly won?
- How do you recognize the cost?
Another view
It generalizes all conflicts without considering strategic outcomes.
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