Superior Force Quotes
Voltaire made this quotation famous but he did not originate it. Roger de Bussy-Rabutin, another ho wrote it over 100 years earlier (See {596505} ). Sometimes the origin is attributed to Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne, 1611-1675, a French General.
Although this may seem obvious to most, there has been, in recent years, an attempt by some to introduce the concept of proportionality into the war equation and definition of war crime. Defense after attack many argue should be proportional to the attack. So if Nation A shoots down a plane of Nation B, according to this logic Nation B is not supposed to invade nation A. Brecher points out the absurdity of the concept from a war point of view. It is however used by many to criticize the defenses against terrorism where modern weapons are used against terrorists and those that harbor them.
Note that even then, De Gaulle’s nationalist ego focused not only on glory but glory that need not be shared. It was always a great strength and a great weakness for him. He and many French officers were so fixed on the glory of beating the Germans, that they did not focus on their ½ million casualties and were not prepared for the German countermeasures that turned the battle from a French victory to a long standoff and stalemate of the “Western Front” where neither side could advance much. Note also that De Gaulle failed to mention the British Expeditionary Force that twice saved the French from being overrun. Denial for the honor of France was always one of De Gaulle’s characteristics. See {642233} for the English commander’s view of the outcome of the Battle of the Marne.
