Note: All the “How I Can Use It” sections refer to the real-time strategy game, Napoleon Total War. In the multiplayer campaign aspect of the game, two players each take control of a nation, whether to fight each other or help each other. I chose Prussia, and am currently at war with Russia.

1.       Passage or Quote: Book II, 3. Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain.

What I Learned: From this, I have learned that a long war will strain the economy, population, and treasury of the government fighting it. Therefore, any war should be ended as quickly as possible.

How I Can Use It: In order to not strain the Prussian governments’ resources, I should end the war with Russia as soon as possible. I should not waste my time fighting isolated Russian units scattered across the country, and proceed directly to my objectives.

2.       Passage or Quote: Book IV, 20. The onrush of a conquering force is like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm a thousand fathoms deep. So much for tactical dispositions.

What I Learned: One must never give up the initiative when entering enemy territory. If you keep up the offense –provided you have sufficient resources– in enemy territory your force will be like “the bursting of pent-up waters.” That is to say, nearly unstoppable.

How I Can Use It: Now that I have a foothold of several provinces in Russia, I should maintain my offensive so as to maintain the momentum it has generated. If I continue to maintain the pressure in those areas, perhaps even through the winter, there would be less time for the Russian generals to respond.

3.       Passage or Quote: Book V, 14. Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

What I Learned: A general must be able to make rapid yet wise decisions in the battlefield, and must not hesitate or change his mind. When an assault is made on the enemy lines, it cannot be half-hearted or piece meal. If an assault is to be made, it must be determined and reinforced if it wavers or makes headway.

How I Can Use It: In battle, Prussian soldiers are very well-disciplined and so there is no need to worry about how determined an assault on Russian lines are. In fact, the Russian general must worry about how determined his soldiers are. However, the Prussian soldiers are small in number, so I must be watchful of how many soldiers are sent to assault Russian lines.