The quote by Admiral Jacky Fisher emphasizes the inherent violence in warfare, suggesting that any attempt to moderate or restrain this violence is foolish. Fisher's perspective reflects a grim understanding of the nature of conflict, where aggression is seen as a necessary component of military strategy. His viewpoint challenges the notion that war can ever be conducted with restraint or ethical limitations, positing that success in combat demands an acceptance of its brutal realities.
This idea is discussed in Erik Larson's book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," which explores the tragic sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The narrative captures the chaos and destruction inherent in wartime scenarios, underscoring how violence shapes the course of history. Larson's work illustrates the consequences of such violence, conveying Fisher's assertion about the futility of moderation in the face of war's lethal demands.