In war, the chief incalculable is the human will.

I used to think that the causes of war were predominantly economic. I came to think that they were more psychological. I am now coming to think that they are decisively "personal," arising from the defects and ambitions of those who have the power to influence the currents of nations.

With growing experience, all skillful commanders sought to profit by the power of the defensive, even when on the offensive.

Inflict the least possible permanent injury, for the enemy of to-day is the customer of the morrow and the ally of the future

In a campaign against more than one state or army, it is more fruitful to concentrate first against the weaker partner than to attempt the overthrow of the stronger in the belief that the latter's defeat will automatically involve the collapse of the others.

A complacent satisfaction with present knowledge is the chief bar to the pursuit of knowledge.

Direct pressure always tends to harden and consolidate the resistance of an opponent.