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About this quote

What does it mean?
States that the benefits of war include both the honor and the profit gained by the victor.
In plain terms
The one who gets the profit from war also gets the honor.
What can you take from it?
Victory determines who gets credit for success.

Where it applies

  • leading troops
  • competing for status
  • reviewing outcomes

Putting it to work

  • align goals with outcomes
  • seek ethical victory
  • track results

Questions to consider

  • Who deserves credit when a plan succeeds?
  • Does the end justify the means?

Another view

This view equates moral honor purely with material success.

More from Philippe de Commines

  1. Car on ne doit point tenir pour conseil ce qui se fait apres disner.

    Permalink to quote #3

  2. Les roys et princes en sont trop plus forts, quand ils l'entreprennent du consentement de leurs subjets, et en sont plus craints de leurs ennemis.

    Permalink to quote #5

  3. Ces deux ducs dessusdits estoient sages apres le coup (comme l'on dit des Bretons).

    Permalink to quote #2

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