TBH the quote is a paraphrase. The original had some excess verbage that wasn't particularly relevant.
Patton was one of the greatest military minds of the 20th century though and actually won real wars.
IIRC, In the original context he was explaining why he ordered a retreat that saved tens of thousands of men even though he was in a stronger position.
His supply lines were in danger if he pressed further on and he risked losing. It was better to retreat, let the enemy try to chase them, then send in a small strike force to take out the enemy's supply lines, encircle the now hungry enemy and force their surrender than to keep on with the full frontal assault.
Or something like that, it's been a few decades since I studied military strategy.