A Few Words From...B.H. Liddell Hart

"The art of the indirect approach can only be mastered, and its full scope appreciated, by study of an reflection upon the whole history of war.  But we can at least crystallize the lessons into two simple maxims - one negative, the other positive.  The first is that, in the face of the overwhelming evidence of history, no general is justified in launching his troops in a direct attack upon an enemy firmly in position.  The second, that instead of seeking to upset the enemy's equilibrium by one's attack, it must be upset before a real attack is, or can be successfully launched." -B.H.Liddell Hart, Strategy