“It is the nature of war that what is beneficial to you is detrimental to the enemy and what is of service to him always hurts you.”

— Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus , book De re militari

De Re Militari (also Epitoma Rei Militaris), Book III, "Dispositions for Action"
Context: It is the nature of war that what is beneficial to you is detrimental to the enemy and what is of service to him always hurts you. It is therefore a maxim never to do, or to omit doing, anything as a consequence of his actions, but to consult invariably your own interest only. And you depart from this interest whenever you imitate such measures as he pursues for his benefit. For the same reason, it would be wrong for him to follow such steps as you take for your advantage. (General Maxims)

Original

In omnibus proeliis expeditionis condicio talis est, ut quod tibi prodest aduersarium noceat, quod illum adiuuat tibi semper officiat.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update July 23, 2022. History

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Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus 16

writer of the Later Roman Empire

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