“They did not base their plans on the real possibilities of the situation, but allowed the wish to father the thought.” (Rommel, 1953, p.409).

A contemporary version:

“To call it a fad would be unfair; at the moment it’s a fashionable policy in search of persuasive evidence that it really works.” (Hawkes, 2013, p.25).

Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies.

References

Rommel, E., Liddel Hart, B.H. (ed) & Findlay, P. (trans) (1953) The Rommel Papers. St James’s Palace, London: Collins.

Hawkes, N. (2013) Take Me To Your Leader. British Medical Journal. 346(7902), pp.25.