It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
Erwin RommelRead
Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effort and intelligence are crucial in achieving success and saving lives.
This quote by Erwin Rommel emphasizes the importance of hard work and strategic thinking in both combat and life. While physical effort and sacrifice are necessary, it is ultimately the application of intelligence that determines the outcome and enhances the effectiveness of those efforts, suggesting that wise planning can prevent loss and lead to success.
Themes
EffortIntelligenceLeadershipStrategySacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about teamwork in a challenging project.
More from Erwin Rommel
All quotes βOne must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
Erwin RommelRead
The commander must be at constant pains to keep his troops abreast of all the latest tactical experience and developments, and must insist on their practical application. He must see to it that his subordinates are trained in accordance with the latest requirements. The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.
Erwin RommelRead
War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.
Erwin RommelRead
Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
Erwin RommelRead
Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone.
Erwin RommelRead
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