If the critic points out that a Frederick or a Bonaparte made mistakes, it does not mean that he would not have made them too. He may even admit that in the situation of these generals he might have made far greater errors. What it does mean is that he can recognize these mistakes from the pattern of events and feels that the commander's sagacity should have seen them as well.
--Carl Von Clausewitz, On War Book II Chapter V (Critical Analysis)
...ok, so he didn't actually write that today. But still, seems relevant to... well, something.
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