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About this quote

What does it mean?
War is essentially a series of mistakes.
In plain terms
War consists mainly of blunders.
What can you take from it?
Recognize war’s propensity for error.

Where it applies

  • military history
  • policy analysis

Putting it to work

  • study past blunders
  • avoid repeating errors

Questions to consider

  • What causes repeated errors in war?
  • Can war be conducted without blunders?

Another view

It glosses over strategic successes.

More from Winston Churchill

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