War-making is one of the few activities that people are not supposed to view realistically; that is, with an eye to expense and practical outcome. In all-out war, expenditure is all-out, unprudent -- war being defined as an emergency in which no sacrifice is excessive.

Summary

This quote suggests that when it comes to war, people are expected to disregard practicality and focus solely on the goal of victory. Regardless of the costs and consequences, war is viewed as an exceptional situation where expenses and sacrifices should be boundless. The quote challenges the notion of evaluating war from a rational and cost-effective perspective, arguing that it is an arena where excessive sacrifice is necessary for success.

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