Quote#Books & Reading
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the…
Quote byT. E. Lawrence · 1888–1935
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Evolution of A Revolt (1920).
English (original)
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex.
— T. E. Lawrence
More from T. E. Lawrence
... wait and watch with the deepest interest the development of the Jewish National Home. If Jews succeeded in translating the policy embodied in the Balfour Declaration [to action by establishing a state], it would certainly be a …
This death’s livery which walled its bearers from ordinary life was sign that they have sold their wills and bodies to the State: and contracted themselves into a service not the less abject for that its beginning was voluntary.
The people of England have been led in Mesopotamia into a trap from which it will be hard to escape with dignity and honor.
The sword was odd. The Arab Movement was one: Feisal another (his name means a flashing sword): then there is the excluded notion, Garden of Eden touch: and the division meaning, like the sword in the bed of mixed sleeping, from the Morte …
Whether they are fit for independence or not remains to be tried. Merit is no qualification for freedom. Bulgars, Afghans, and Tahitans have it. Freedom is enjoyed when you are so well armed, or so turbulent, or inhabit a country so thorny …
Arabia for the Arabs, Judea for the Jews, and Armenia for the Armenians.