Famous Quotes Explained: « One of the greatest wisdoms of military art is not to drive one’s enemy to despair, » Essais,  Montaigne, 1580.

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Famous Quotes Explained: « One of the greatest wisdoms of military art is not to drive one’s enemy to despair, » Essais,  Montaigne, 1580.

This quote from the 16th-century humanist philosopher, taken from Essais, once again underscores Montaigne’s wisdom.

Instinctively, one might think that in a battle or a war, annihilating the enemy should be the desired goal. Complete destruction ensures immediate victory and future security. It allows for easy conquest. However, achieving this is difficult and rare. Warfare seldom aims to obliterate everything and everyone. It has a purpose: to acquire wealth, to increase one’s population…

So, annihilation is not the solution. Even considering it requires patience. Fierce resistance often remains the norm in the face of excessive cruelty.

Montaigne warns against offering no honorable way out for an enemy. If the enemy is in despair, they may fight relentlessly, without thought, and ultimately be more dangerous, more belligerent than if another option exists.

Not driving one’s enemy to despair is about keeping the possibility of negotiating surrender and thus an acceptable peace for both sides. It is, even for the victor, reducing the burdens of war. It secures the future. This is why military art must provide for the possibility of retreat or negotiation.

One of the greatest wisdoms of military art is not to drive one’s enemy to despair

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