Food production, and competition and diffusion between societies, led as ultimate causes ... of conquest.  Guns, Germs And Steel

If thou canst see sharp, look and judge wisely, says the philosopher. Book VIII

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. The Art Of War

„One thing, however, did become clear to him [Goldmund] – why so many perfect works of art did not please him at all, why they were almost hateful and boring to him, in spite of a certain undeniable beauty. Workshops, churches, and palaces were full of these fatal works of art; he had even helped with a few himself. They were deeply disappointing because they aroused the desire for the highest and did not fulfill it. They lacked the most essential thing – mystery. That was what dreams and truly great works of art had in common: mystery.“ Narcissus and Goldmund