Quotes from Carl von Clausewitz

If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.

War is nothing but a continuation of politics with the admixture of other means.

Everything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult

The conqueror is always a lover of peace; he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.

No one starts a war--or rather, no one in his sense ought to do so--without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by the war and how he intends to conduct it.

There are cases in which the greatest daring is the greatest wisdom.

Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.

We repeat again: strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them. Even with the violence of emotion, judgment and principle must still function like a ship's compass, which records the slightest variations however rough the sea.

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.

Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero.

All war presupposes human weakness and seeks to exploit it.

War is such a dangerous business that mistakes that come from kindness are the very worst.

If we read history with an open mind, we cannot fail to conclude that, among all the military virtues, the energetic conduct of war has always contributed most to glory and success.

War is merely the continuation of politics by other means

as man under pressure tends to give in to physical and intellectual weakness, only great strength of will can lead to the objective.

Anyone who falls into the habit of thinking and expecting the best of his subordinates at all times is, for that reason alone, unsuited to command an army

the side that feels the lesser urge for peace will naturally get the better bargain.

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

Great things alone can make a great mind, and petty things will make a petty mind unless a man rejects them as completely alien.

a strong character is one that will not be unbalanced by the most powerful emotions

history had no lessons or rules to offer the student, it could only broaden his understanding and strengthen his critical judgment.

to introduce into the philosophy of war itself a principle of moderation would be an absurdity

The aggressor is always peace-loving (as Bonaparte always claimed to be); he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.

Of all the passions that inspire a man in a battle, none, we have to admit, is so powerful and so constant as the longing for honor and reknown.