45 Quotes by Ferdinand Foch

Far from being a sum of distinct and partial results, victory is the consequence of efforts, some of which are victorious while others appear to be fruitless, which nevertheless all aim at a common goal, all drive at a common result: namely, at a decision, a conclusion which alone can provide victory.

One is defeated only when one accepts defeat.

The military mind always imagines that the next war will be on the same lines as the last. That has never been the case and never will be. One of the great factors on the next war will be aircraft obviously. The potentialities of aircraft attack on a large scale are almost incalculable.

In tactics, action is the governing rule of war.

No study is possible on the battlefield.

One does simply what one can in order to apply what one knows .

I am conscious of having served England as I served my own country.

To inform, and, therefore to reconnoitre , this is the first and constant duty of the advanced guard.

All the same, the fundamental truths which govern that art are still unchangeable; just as the principles of mechanics must always govern architecture, whether the building be made of wood, stone, iron or concrete; just as the principles of harmony govern music of whatever kind. It is still necessary, then, to establish the principles of war.