Full Idea
Humanity requires that so far as the momentum of warfare permits, we should inflict no more suffering on an enemy than defence or vindication of our right and its future assurance requires.
Gist of Idea
Humanity requires us to minimise an enemy's suffering when we pursue our rights
Source
Samuel Pufendorf (On the Duty of Man and Citizen [1673], II.16)
A Reaction
The standard natural law view. Dream on! War always lets loose chaos and innumerable opportunities for unfettered violence and cruelty. That is not to disagree with the principle, which seems right.
Book Reference
Pufendorf,Samuel: 'On the Duty of Man and Citizen' [CUP 1991], p.169