People with no plan, who are constantly reacting will not have the power and energy to overcome the challenge he has now. We observe the difference between having a plan and not during the civil war between Pompey and Caesar.
When Caesar crossed the Rubicon during 49 BC. Pompey’s faction did nothing but evacuate chaotically from Rome to Greece. Amid the chaos we see how it was impossible for Pompey to discern what is actually happening with thousands and thousands of reports mixed with rumours that were entering Pompey’s tent.
In contrast we see Caesar entering Rome with lightning speed, clearing the treasury as he knew that what is more important than his popularity currently was to secure the loyalty of his troops. While Pompey was still in agony as he saw he was not as popular as he thought.
Once Pompey arrived in Greece we knew from Cicero’s account that Pompey was suffering from inactivity. He knew he had to hire soldiers to fight for his cause, but I believe due to his still reflecting and recovering amid the chaos environment. He was without fire passion in him, to recruit and build a plan against Caesar. And seen as a tired Consul with the lack of energy, passion and will.
Meanwhile, looking to Caesar’s side, he had to decide whether to bring the warfare to Spain, where experienced soldiers were stationed with inexperienced generals. Or to Greece where there is an exceptional general but lack of soldiers. I believe Caesar knew that great soldiers make up the backbone of an army. Thus he decided to deal with Spain first. As he knew what was his priority. Astonishingly he ended his Spain campaign swiftly with only 40 days.
In Pompey’s camp, we know the Optimates were all starting to converse about how once the war ended, the different ways in which they could make a profit. They had only the end in view but never the path to that end.
In Caesar’s camp, we see how he risked crossing the sea during winter to force a fight with Pompey, as he knew he could not give Pompey time to train up his soldiers. Through his planning not just in the grand scheme but in battle he quickly defeated Pompey the Great, and converted as a winner in this costly civil war.
Luck of course also pathed it’s way for the victor. However even with Caesar’s luck, Pompey might not be able to win. First due to his lack of planning, second as he is overconfident in his ability. If he could anticipate Caesar’s move at the beginning, he could’ve easily maneuvered some troops to defend against Caesar. Once he reached Greece he should’ve united his force to deal with Caesar instantly. But I am writing with the perfect insight from both sides. Who knows what other kinds of difficulties Pompey had to deal with?
I do believe looking at how they both acted out during the civil war, it gave me a better insight of how planning is one of the most essential skills in life, the risk of waiting passively as I used to do could suck up all my energy and render me constantly just reacting to situations. I have to keep the end goal in sight and carve my path to that end just as Caesar did.
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