Meaning: The quote, "It is absolutely true in war, were other things equal, that numbers, whether men, shells, bombs, etc., would be supreme. Yet it is also absolutely true that other things are never equal and can never be equal," by J. Fuller Soldier, reflects the complex nature of warfare and the multifaceted factors that influence its outcomes. Major General J.F.C. Fuller, a British military officer and military theorist, is known for his significant contributions to the development of armored warfare doctrine and his insightful writings on military strategy and tactics.

In this quote, Fuller highlights the significance of numerical superiority in war. From a purely quantitative standpoint, having greater numbers of soldiers, ammunition, and military equipment can indeed confer a strategic advantage in combat. This notion is rooted in the basic principle that larger forces possess the potential to overwhelm and overpower smaller ones through sheer numerical strength. In this sense, the quote underscores the conventional wisdom that numerical superiority can be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of military engagements.

However, Fuller also emphasizes the inherent complexity of warfare by asserting that "other things are never equal and can never be equal." This statement encapsulates the recognition that military conflicts are not solely determined by numerical considerations. In reality, the outcomes of wars are shaped by a myriad of interconnected variables such as leadership, strategy, tactics, technology, logistics, geography, morale, and the will of the combatants. These factors contribute to the intricate and dynamic nature of warfare, rendering it impossible to reduce the entire spectrum of military operations to a simplistic equation based solely on numerical comparisons.

The quote by J. Fuller Soldier underscores the limitations of a narrow focus on numerical superiority as the sole determinant of success in war. It serves as a reminder that military planners and strategists must consider a wide range of factors that extend beyond mere numbers. This holistic perspective is essential for devising effective and comprehensive military strategies that account for the multifaceted nature of conflict.

Furthermore, the quote invites contemplation on the concept of asymmetrical warfare, where imbalances in military resources and capabilities are offset by unconventional tactics, guerilla warfare, and the strategic exploitation of vulnerabilities in more powerful adversaries. As demonstrated by historical and contemporary conflicts, asymmetrical warfare illustrates the ways in which numerical superiority alone does not guarantee victory, and how weaker forces can leverage their agility, innovation, and knowledge of the operational environment to achieve their objectives.

In conclusion, J. Fuller Soldier's quote encapsulates the nuanced understanding of warfare, acknowledging the significance of numerical factors while also emphasizing the indispensable role of diverse and multifaceted elements in shaping the outcomes of military conflicts. This insight serves as a valuable reminder for military strategists, historians, and the broader public to appreciate the intricacies of warfare and to avoid oversimplifying its complexities based solely on numerical considerations.