There is only one principle of war and that's this. Hit the

Listen closely, O children, for the words of William Slim, a man who led his soldiers through the fires of battle with both wisdom and courage: "There is only one principle of war and that's this. Hit the other fellow, as quickly as you can, as hard as you can, where it hurts him most, when he ain't lookin'." These words, though simple, carry a deep truth about the nature of war—not just the battlefields of violence, but the fight for victory in life itself. Slim’s principle is one of surprise, speed, and precision. It speaks not to the brutality of war alone, but to the art of overcoming obstacles by striking with intent, by understanding the weaknesses of an enemy or challenge, and exploiting them with decisive action.

In the ancient world, O children, great generals like Alexander the Great understood this principle well. Alexander’s victories were not always won by the sheer might of his army, but by his ability to strike quickly and decisively, often catching his enemies unprepared. At the Battle of Gaugamela, for example, despite being outnumbered, Alexander struck the Persians at the precise moment when their lines were stretched thin, when they least expected it. In war, as in life, there are moments when the forces of opposition are weakest—when they are distracted, overconfident, or caught off guard. It is then, like Alexander, that a decisive action can turn the tide and bring about victory.

Consider also the story of Hannibal, the great Carthaginian general, who famously crossed the Alps to surprise the Roman army during the Second Punic War. His ability to strike at the heart of Rome’s territory, when the Romans were least expecting it, shows that timing, tactics, and the ability to exploit an enemy’s vulnerabilities are essential to victory. Hannibal was not merely a fighter, but a strategist, who understood that to defeat an enemy, one must strike not just with force, but with intelligence—where it hurts most, and when they least anticipate it. This idea of surprise—of hitting when the enemy is not looking—was central to his legendary victories.

In World War II, William Slim himself demonstrated this principle while leading the British Fourteenth Army against the Japanese forces in Burma. At the time, the Japanese were entrenched and well-prepared, but Slim knew that the key to victory lay in swift, unpredictable strikes. He used the landscape to his advantage, maneuvering his forces with precision and surprising his enemies when they were most vulnerable. His tactics were not simply about strength or numbers, but about speed and the ability to adapt quickly, taking advantage of moments when the enemy's guard was down. It was these strikes, quick and decisive, that ultimately led to the British victory in Burma, proving that Slim's principle—to hit as hard as you can, where it hurts most—was not just a strategy for military warfare but a recipe for success in any battle.

Now, children, consider how this principle applies to your own struggles, not on the battlefield, but in the many wars you face in life. Every challenge, every obstacle, every moment of difficulty presents you with an opportunity to act swiftly, decisively, and with purpose. Slim's principle speaks to the importance of timing in your decisions—of knowing when to act, when to move quickly, and when to strike. Whether it is in your studies, your relationships, or in the pursuit of your dreams, there will be moments when the world seems to stand still, and you have a chance to make your move. It is in these moments that you must be prepared, focused, and ready to act, for success often comes not to those who wait, but to those who see the right opportunity and seize it with strength and precision.

But it is not only about striking when the moment is right. Slim's principle also teaches us about the importance of understanding where the vulnerabilities lie. In war, as in life, every challenge has its weaknesses, places where the forces against you can be broken, where your effort can have the greatest effect. Look carefully, children, at the obstacles you face. Do they seem insurmountable? Are there areas where you can strike a decisive blow? Maybe it is in your own habits, your fears, or your doubts. There is always an opening, a chance to attack where it hurts most. It is the one who sees this weakness and strikes with precision that wins the battle, whether the enemy is within or without.

So, children, take this lesson with you: life, like war, is often won not by the sheer power of your effort, but by the ability to strike at the right moment, with clarity and purpose. Look for the openings, the opportunities that present themselves when least expected, and act quickly, decisively, and with all your strength. But also remember, the key is not just to strike hard, but to strike where it will matter most. It is in this calculated, focused effort that you will find your success—whether in the battle of life, or the many smaller struggles that shape your journey. The enemy may be formidable, but if you strike with wisdom, speed, and determination, victory will be yours.