War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.

About This Quote

The quote above is a Chinese proverb that is a common saying among military strategists. It serves as a way to put a positive spin on war, particularly the outcome of the war. This proverb is used to make a case for war by saying that it's easy to be against it, but once at war, it's hard to be on the winning side.

Some Similar Quotes

1. War is what happens when language fails. - Margaret Atwood

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2. Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. - Ernest Hemingway

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3. The world is full enough of hurts and mischances without wars to multiply them. - J.r.r. Tolkien

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4. If everyone fought for their own convictions there would be no war. - Leo Tolstoy

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5. Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows. - Anonymous

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More Quotes By Karl Kraus

1. The devil is an optimist if he thinks he can make people worse than they are.

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2. How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.

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3. War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.

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4. Democracy means the opportunity to be everyone's slave.

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5. A woman who cannot be ugly is not beautiful.

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