...in war, the advantages and disadvantages of a single action could only be determined by the final balance. - Carl von Clausewitz

But if the assailant, without troubling himself about the existence of the Army awaiting his attack in a defensive position, advances with his main body by another line in pursuit of his object, then he 'passes by the position,' and if he can do this with impunity, and really does it, he will immediately enforce the abandonment of the position, consequently put an end to its usefulness.

War is such a dangerous business that mistakes that come from kindness are the very worst.

The enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan.