Is the method of waging a battle greater than, or equal to, the actual battle?

I am reminded of three quotes, during this time of conflict:
“If we fight a war and win it with H-bombs, what history will remember is not the ideals we were fighting for but the methods we used to accomplish them. These methods will be compared to the warfare of Genghis Khan who ruthlessly killed every last inhabitant of Persia.” (anonymous author)
"There never was a good war or a bad peace". (Benjamin Franklin)
"I would rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent than in the extent of my powers and dominion".
(Alexander the Great).
Is the method of waging a battle greater than, or equal to, the actual battle? Very interesting food for thought, while observing the conflicts in the world.
Have a good week, everyone!
Sharon