The gradual decline of a society is often a self-induced process of trying to meet ever-expanding appetites, rather than a physical inability to produce past levels of food and fuel, or to maintain adequate defense.
Victor Davis HansonRead
Any time the Western way of war can be unleashed on an enemy stupid enough to enter its arena, victory is assured.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that when the Western military approach is applied against an unwise opponent, success is guaranteed.
Victor Davis Hanson highlights the effectiveness of the Western military strategy, implying that it thrives on certain advantages. By describing the enemy as 'stupid' for engaging in this 'arena', he posits that a lack of understanding or preparation on the part of the opponent leads to inevitable defeat, thus reinforcing the idea that intelligence and strategy are key ingredients for success in warfare.
Themes
WarVictoryStrategyWesternEnemy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about military strategy in a classroom setting.
More from Victor Davis Hanson
All quotes βStates are like people. They do not question the awful status quo until some dramatic event overturns the conventional and lax way of thinking.
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Behind every American soldier, dozens of their countrymen tonight sleep soundly β and hundreds more in their shadow abroad will wake up alive and safe.
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This bloody past suggests to us that enemies cease hostilities only when they are battered enough to acknowledge that there is no hope in victory - and thus that further resistance means only useless sacrifice.
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