I shall proceed from the simple to the complex. But in war more than in any other subject we must begin by looking at the nature of the whole; for here more than elsewhere the part and the whole must…

Quote by Karl Von Clausewitz

Topics: Karl Von Clausewitz Quotes

Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.

Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

Principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.

Principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.

The political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and the...

The political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and the...

Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some...

Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some...

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory; even more are false, and most are uncertain.

Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory; even more are false, and most are uncertain.

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with...

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with...

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

War is the province of danger.

War is the province of danger.

Lastly, the great uncertainty of all data in War is a peculiar difficulty, because all...

Lastly, the great uncertainty of all data in War is a peculiar difficulty, because all...

The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more...

The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more...

Everything in war is simple, but the simplest thing is difficult. The difficulties accumulate and...

Everything in war is simple, but the simplest thing is difficult. The difficulties accumulate and...

All action takes place, so to speak, in a kind of twilight, which like a...

All action takes place, so to speak, in a kind of twilight, which like a...

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.

Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.