War is not an exercise of the will directed at an inanimate matter.

Quote by Karl Von Clausewitz

Topics: Karl Von Clausewitz Quotes

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.

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

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...

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

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.

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.

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

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

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

War is nothing more than the continuation of politics by other means.

War is nothing more than the continuation of politics by other means.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

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.

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...

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.

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 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...

War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.

War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.

I shall proceed from the simple to the complex. But in war more than in...

I shall proceed from the simple to the complex. But in war more than in...

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time...

It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time...