“The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.”

Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964)

An American five-star general (aka General of the Army) and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He was Chief of Staff of the US Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific Theatre of War during World War II. Stated 16 September 1940 and quoted in his book, A Soldier Speaks, 1965.

A pithy statement and truism, but meaningless without any context.