In "The Guns of August," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the concept of a rigid military mindset that drives major political and strategic mistakes, particularly in the context of World War I. The phrase highlighted by Moltke represents a decisive point where military strategies dictate national policy, leading to significant errors such as the invasion of Belgium and the initiation of unrestricted submarine warfare against the United States. Tuchman illustrates how once such a course of action is established, it becomes nearly impossible to change.

This inflexible approach to military planning reflects a larger issue where the infatuation with plans and strategies overshadows the need for adaptability and responsiveness to evolving situations. Tuchman emphasizes that this mindset can have dire consequences, as decisions are made based on predetermined military doctrines rather than current realities, ultimately shaping the course of history in profound ways.